ADULT SABBATH SCHOOL LESSONS
A
IN HARD
A MIINCID
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OVERFLOW OFFERING
June 30, 1973 — Inter-American Division
Two boarding academies, two senior colleges, and one hos-
pital will benefit from the Thirteenth Sabbath Overflow Offer-
ing for Inter-America. The four educational institutions have
been established with great sacrifices, and are struggling with
tremendous problems. They are already overcrowded. Hun-
dreds of other young people wish to attend but cannot be ac-
cepted.
The Mexican Pacific Academy, the Linda Vista Academy, and
the Montemorelos Vocational and Professional College are lo-
cated in Mexico; the Colombia-Venezuela Institute (ICOLVEN) is
in Colombia, and the Antillean Adventist Hospital is in Curacao,
Netherlands Antilles. The two senior colleges were authorized
to offer the ministerial course on the senior college level in 1968,
and the first graduates received their diplomas in 1969. This
upgrading to the senior level has imposed a heavy financial
burden on the Inter-American Division, and on the Mexican and
the Colombia-Venezuela Unions, to provide the necessary build-
ings, equipment, books, and teachers that are needed to fulfill
the requirements of a four-year college program in theology. It
was because we knew that we could depend on our faithful
Sabbath School members around the world to help us fulfill our
pledges to our young people that we have had the courage to
initiate these projects.
There are other needs also. We recently purchased a hospital
at a very attractive price because the former owners believed
they could depend on the Seventh-day Adventist Church to serve
the community through the operation of this hospital. Now we
must not let them down. Part of your Thirteenth Sabbath Offer-
ing will go to the Antillean Adventist Hospital, to help purchase
the most needed equipment.
We express to you our heartfelt thanks for your contributions
to Inter-America on previous Thirteenth Sabbaths. We have
great confidence in your sacrificial response to the needs of God's
work in the Inter-American Division this Thirteenth Sabbath.
Tulio R. Haylock
Sabbath School Secretary
Inter-American Division
Litho in U.S.A.
A Holy Life in Hard Times
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
The first epistle of Peter is the subject of the lessons for this quarter.
While it is Peter's letter, it should be noted that Silvanus was his secretary
(ch. 5:12) and was probably responsible for the good quality of Greek
language in the epistle. However, "it is possible to see in the use of words
and expressions a general resemblance of style between the epistle,
Peter's sermons, and his personal characteristics."—"SDA Bible Commen-
tary," Vol. 7, p. 547.
It was mainly directed to Gentile Christians in the area of the Roman
Empire which is now known as Asia Minor. The message of the letter indi-
cates that the people it was written to have experienced and are expected
increasingly to experience, opposition and persecution for their faith.
Some of the social conditions during his time differed widely from
those of today. Yet many of the conditions were similar to those of our
time. The technical, intellectual, and artistic achievements of the Roman
Empire were unrivaled. Her commerce enriched the world. A highway
system served as the arteries of trade and culture. The arts of architecture,
banking and investment, agriculture, medicine, and sanitary engineering
were practiced.
In private life the rich had luxurious homes which often included such
features as marble or mosaic floors, columns of alabaster, and walls
decorated with brilliant murals and laden with costly stones. Handker-
chiefs were in common use, and teeth were brushed with powder or
paste. Many homes had bathtubs. A wide range of cosmetics was used
by Roman women—perfumes, creams, oils, pastes, soaps, and mascara.
Beauty accessories were also available. These included tweezers, scissors,
razors, files, pumice stones, brushes, combs, hairnets, and wigs. Leisure-
time activities formed an important part of Roman life. People played
chesslike board games and frequented clubhouses, art galleries, libraries,
reading rooms, and music halls.
Food supplies rivaled those of ours today. They included grains, dairy
products, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. The rich ate meat. Pork was a
favorite dish. Sausages, in portable ovens, were hawked through the
streets.
Against this environmental background Peter cautions the followers of
Christ to be careful in their behavior. He urges them to avoid the lusts of
the flesh. The wide range of counsel which Peter gave in the first century
is applicable to church members today. It is one of the finest and noblest
calls to live a quality Christian life. Those who seek comfort in the midst
of tears and sorrows may profit by a careful study of this book. Those
1-AQT. 2-73
under persecution and unusual trials find his message meaningful. Peter
has written some of the most tender and encouraging words in Christian
literature. He probably wrote this epistle when age had diminished his
strength and he had learned a lesson—not of self-reliance, but of confi-
dence in Christ. None can doubt Peter's conversion when they carefully
study his first letter. There is directness and force in his writings. Peter's
Spirit-inspired thoughts not only fascinate the mind, but bring conviction
that man cannot live by "bread alone." The epistle is characterized by a
spiritual power, a depth of feeling, and a plainness of speech that tends
to elevate and motivate the heart to a deeper spiritual experience with
Christ.
"The apostle's words were written for the instruction of believers in
every age, and they have a special significance for those who live at the
time when 'the end of all things is at hand.' His exhortations and warn-
ings, and his words of faith and courage, are needed by every soul who
would maintain his faith 'steadfast unto the end.' Hebrews 3:14."—"The
Acts of the Apostles," page 518.
The Blessing of Daily Study
"Every day some portion of time should be appropri-
ated to the study of the lessons, not merely in learning to
mechanically repeat the words, while the mind does not
comprehend the meaning; but to go to the very founda-
tion, and become familiar with what is brought out in the
lesson."—"Counsels on Sabbath School Work," page 53.
My Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge
of the Scriptures, I pledge myself to the careful and
prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath School
lesson each day of the week.
(signed)
Lesson Titles for the Quarter
1.
About the Author
2.
Faith and Trouble
3.
Live a Holy Life!
4.
Rebirth and Growth
5.
A Chosen People
6.
Good Conduct: As Citizens
7.
Good Conduct: As Servants
8.
Good Conduct: In Marriage
9.
Christian Characteristics
10.
Suffering for Christ
11.
The Separated Life
12.
The Christian in Times of Trial
13.
Lessons in Humility
The regular adult Sabbath School lessons and regular Sab-
bath School World Mission Report are available free each month
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Sabbath School lesson Quarterly (regular edition), No. 312, April-June, 1973. 35 cents a single
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Copyright, 1973, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Cover and illustrations by Elfred Lee
1—AQT. 2-73
NOTES
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR
LESSON 1
April 1-7
9
and be baptized...
in the name of
Jesus Christ."
Acts 2:38,RSV.
"Then Simon Peter answered him,
Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the
words of eternal life. And we believe and
are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son
of the living God." John 6:68, 69.
Our understanding and appreciation of
the First Epistle of Peter can be en-
hanced by a study of the author. This
week's lesson is intended to give us a
brief overview of Peter's life before we
study his letter.
"The history of no one of the disciples
better illustrates Christ's method of train-
ing than does the history of Peter. Bold,
aggressive, and self-confident, quick to
perceive and forward to act, prompt in
retaliation yet generous in forgiving,
Peter often erred, and often received
reproof. Nor were his warmhearted loy-
alty and devotion to Christ the less de-
cidedly recognized and commended. Pa-
tiently, with discriminating love, the
Saviour dealt with His impetuous disci-
ple, seeking to check his self-confi-
dence, and to teach him humility, obe-
dience, and
trust."—Education,
page 88.
"And at the close of his experience of
labor and sacrifice, the disciple once so
unready to discern the cross, counted it
a joy to yield up his life for the gospel,
feeling only that, for him who had denied
the Lord, to die in the same manner as
his Master died was too great an honor.
"A miracle of divine tenderness was
Peter's transformation. It is a life lesson
to all who seek to follow in the steps of
the Master Teacher."—Education, pages
90, 91.
An article by Ellen G. White enti-
tled "The Character of Peter" ap-
pears at the end of this lesson. This
was originally printed in the
Review
and Herald,
April 7, 1891, and has
been reprinted here for reading in
connection with this week's lesson.
7
About the Author
LESSON 1
Sunday
April 1
Part 1
THE MAN
Four names are used in the New Testament to refer to Peter.
He is called by the Hebrew name Simeon in Acts 15:14. More
often he is called Simon, a Greek name, and apparently an
alternate to his Hebrew name. Jesus changed Simon's name
to Cephas (John 1:42), the Aramaic word for rock, and the name
Peter is from the Greek translation of Cephas.
Who were Peter's partners in the fishing trade? Mark 1:16;
Luke 5:10.
"Jesus chose unlearned fishermen because they had not
been schooled in the traditions and erroneous customs of their
time. They were men of native ability, and they were humble
and teachable,—men whom He could educate for His work. In
the common walks of life there is many a man patiently treading
the round of daily toil, unconscious that he possesses powers
which, if called into action, would raise him to an equality with
the world's most honored men. The touch of a skillful hand is
needed to arouse those dormant faculties."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 250.
What was Peter's hometown? John 1:44; Mark 1:21, 29.
Bethsaida and Capernaum were probably only about two
miles apart and were located on the northern shore of the Sea
of Galilee. The reference to both of these towns as Peter's home
should present no.great difficulty. Since Capernaum is specified
as the location of the residence of Peter and his family, Beth-
saida should probably be regarded as their ancestral home.
Almost nothing is known of Peter's family, except that his
father's name was John (John 1:42), that he had a brother
named Andrew (Mark 1:16), that Peter himself was married
(Mark 1:30), and that his wife at times traveled with him (1 Cor.
9:5).
"To Matthew in his wealth, and to Andrew and Peter in their
poverty, the same test was brought; the same consecration was
made by each. At the moment of success, when the nets were
filled with fish, and the impulses of the old life were strongest,
Jesus asked the disciples at the sea to leave all for the work of
the gospel. So every soul is tested as to whether the desire for
temporal good or for fellowship with Christ is strongest."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 273.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pages 249-251.
8
About the Author
LESSON 1
El Monday
April 2
Part 2
THE DISCIPLE, I
How did Peter react to the miraculous catch of fish at the
time of his call to discipleship? Luke 5:8-11.
"Peter exclaimed, 'Depart from me; for I am a sinful man;'
yet he clung to the feet of Jesus, feeling that he could not be
parted from Him. . . . It was after Peter had been led to self-
renunciation and dependence upon divine power that he re-
ceived the call to his work for Christ."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 246.
In listings of the apostles' names, what place is always given
to Peter? Matt. 10:2; Mark 3:16; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13.
The position of Peter's name at the head of these name lists
is indicative of his position among the Twelve. Ellen G. White
refers to Peter as "the chief of apostles."—The
Story of Re-
demption,
page
.
276.
Peter was usually the member of the group who spoke. It
was he who said that Jesus was the Son of God (Matt. 16:16);
that booths should be built for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus (Matt.
17:4); that his Master was a taxpayer (Matt. 17:24, 25); that
Jesus would never wash
his
feet (John 13:8); and that he would
never deny Christ (Matt. 26:33-35). It was he who asked how
often to forgive (Matt. 18:21); what the worker's reward would
be (Matt. 19:27); where Jesus was going (John 13:36); who
would betray Him (John 13:24).
"Before his fall, Peter was always speaking unadvisedly,
from the impulse of the moment. He was always ready to cor-
rect others, and to express his mind, before he had a clear
comprehension of himself or of what he had to say."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 812.
What was Peter's condition on the mount of transfiguration
and in Gethsemane? Luke 9:32; Matt. 26:40.
"At first [on the mount of transfiguration] the disciples unite
their prayers with His in sincere devotion; but after a time they
are overcome with weariness, and, even while trying to retain
their interest in the scene, they fall asleep."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 420.
"But the disciples trusted to themselves. They did not look
to the mighty Helper as Christ had counseled them to do. Thus
when the Saviour was most in need of their sympathy and
prayers, they were found asleep. Even Peter was sleeping."—
The Desire of Ages,
pages 688, 689.
FURTHER STUDY
The
n
Tile
De
sire of Ages,
pages 673, 674.
9
About the Author
LESSON 1
Tuesday
April 3
Part 3
"Peter
had been inclined to act independently."—The
De-
THE DISCIPLE, H
sire of Ages,
page 816.
In this section we will note three examples of Peter's inde-
pendent actions and their results.
1.
He was the only one of
the
group who requested, and
tried, water-walking.
What was the result of this venture? Matt. 14:29-31.
"Walking side by side, Peter's hand in that of his Master,
they stepped into the boat together. But Peter was now subdued
and silent. He had no reason to boast over his fellows, for
through unbelief and self-exaltation he had very nearly lost his
life. When he turned his eyes from Jesus, his footing was lost,
and he sank amid the waves."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages
381, 382.
2.
Only Peter tried, physically, to defend Jesus when he cut
off Malchus's ear.
What was Jesus' response to Peter's daring act? Luke 22:51;
John 18:11.
"Had Peter's rash act not been promptly remedied, it might
have been presented before the Sanhedrin and before Pilate as
evidence that Jesus and His disciples were dangerous men and
a threat to the nation. As it was, the authorities made no men-
tion of the incident at the trial because they would have had
to admit that a miracle of healing had been performed."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Luke 22:51.
3.
While all of the disciples forsook Jesus, only Peter denied
Him.
How did Peter react to his own cowardice? Matt. 26:75.
FURTHER STUDY
10
"On the very spot where Jesus had poured out His soul in
agony to His Father, Peter fell upon his face, and wished that
he might die.
"It was in sleeping when Jesus bade him watch and pray
that Peter had prepared the way for his great sin. . . . Had
those hours in the garden been spent in watching and prayer,
Peter would not have been left to depend upon his own feeble
strength. He would not have denied His Lord."—The
Desire
of Ages,
pages 713, 714.
The Desire of Ages,
pages 816, 817.
About the Author
LESSON 1
Wednesday
April 4
Part 4
THE MISSIONARY
When the Day of Pentecost arrived, Peter was a new man.
His experience immediately after the denial of Jesus, his heart-
searching during the time in the upper room preceding Pente-
cost, and the outpouring of the Spirit all contributed to his new
life.
What was the result of Peter's sermon at Pentecost? Acts
2:40, 41.
"The arguments of the apostles alone, though clear and con-
vincing, would not have removed the prejudice that had with-
stood so much evidence. But the Holy Spirit sent the arguments
home to hearts with divine power. The words of the apostles
were as sharp arrows of the Almighty, convicting men of their
terrible guilt in rejecting and crucifying the Lord of glory.
"Under the training of Christ the disciples had been led to
feel their need of the Spirit. Under the Spirit's teaching they
received the final qualification, and went forth to their lifework.
No longer were they ignorant and uncultured. . . . In mind and
character they had become like their Master."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 45.
Peter, along with John, healed the lame man in the temple.
It was Peter who rebuked Ananias and Sapphira and raised
Dorcas from the dead. Even before this last event Peter's repu-
tation as a miracle worker soared.
What actions by the people of Jerusalem and its environs
attested popular confidence in Peter's gift of miracles? Acts
5:15, 16.
Who were the first Gentile converts to Christianity and who
ordered their baptism? Acts 10:24, 46-48; 11:1; 15:14.
"Thus was the gospel brought to those who had been stran-
gers and foreigners, making them fellow citizens with the saints,
and members of the household of God. The conversion of Cor-
nelius and his household was but the first fruits of a harvest to
be gathered in. From this household a wide-spread work of
grace was carried on in that heathen city."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 139.
"The apostle Peter became a faithful minister of Christ, and
he was greatly honored with divine light and power; he had an
active part in the upbuilding of Christ's
church."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 160.
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles, pages 41-43.
11
About the Author
LESSON 1
Thursday
April 5
Part 5
Peter's first imprisonment, with John, was triggered by the
THE PRISONER
jealousy of the religious leaders over the success of these
apostles among the people in the temple.
Who bore a testimony for Christ before the Jewish leaders?
Acts 4:8.
"This courageous defense [by Peter] appalled the Jewish
leaders. . . . There was no trace of fear in Peter's voice as he
declared of Christ, 'This is the stone which was set at nought
of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.'
"—
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 63, 64.
The second arrest included possibly all of the apostles, and
came about because of their continued success among the
people of Jerusalem. They were released by an angel in the
night, rearrested while they taught in the temple, and arraigned
before the Sanhedrin. Acts 5:17-28.
Who was the spokesman for the apostles on this occasion?
Acts 5:29.
Peter's third imprisonment was by Herod after the execution
of James. Peter awaited the same fate, but the church prayed
for him and an angel delivered him during the night. Acts 12.
What was the result of this persecution? Acts 12:19-21.
What did Jesus reveal to Peter about the end of his life?
John 21:18, 19.
"In the providence of God, Peter was permitted to close his
ministry in Rome, where his imprisonment was ordered by the
emperor Nero about the time of Paul's final arrest. . . .
"Peter, as a Jew and a foreigner, was condemned to be
scourged and crucified. In prospect of this fearful death, the
apostle remembered his great sin in denying Jesus in the hour
of His trial. Once so unready to acknowledge the cross, he now
counted it a joy to yield up his life for the gospel, feeling only
that, for him who had denied his Lord, to die in the same man-
ner as his Master died was too great an honor. . . . As a last
favor he entreated his executioners that he might be nailed to
the cross with his head downward. The request was granted,
and in this manner died the great apostle Peter."—The
Acts
of the Apostles,
pages 537, 538.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pages 815-817.
12
About the Author
LESSON 1
Friday
April 6
Part 6
THE WRITER
The name of Peter has been associated with three books of
the New Testament. The Gospel of Mark is believed by some
scholars to be a record of Peter's memory of the work of Jesus.
"Papias, a bishop of Hierapolis in Asia Minor and reputed
to have been a disciple of John the apostle, identifies Mark as
the author and states that his Gospel is an accurate record of
the life and teachings of Jesus as he received it from Peter.
. . . This accords with Peter's own reference to Mark as his
'son' (1 Pe 5:13). Mark's particularly vivid narration of inci-
dents involving Peter tends to confirm Papias' statement that
Mark based his Gospel on the apostle Peter's eye witness rem-
iniscences) Mk 1:36, 40; 21:1-4; 3:5; 5:4-6; 6:39, 40; 7:34;
8:33; 10:21; 11:20;
etc.)."—SDA Bible Dictionary,
page 685.
The other two books attributed to Peter are the two epistles
that bear his name—First and Second Peter. Critical scholars
have seriously questioned the Petrine authorship of 1 Peter,
and have generally rejected Peter as author of 2 Peter. The
authorship of 1 Peter was noted in the Introduction to these
lessons and will not be repeated here. As to 2 Peter, "the epis-
tle claims to be the writing of Simon Peter, disciple and apostle
of Jesus Christ (ch 1:1), and to be his 'second epistle' (ch 3:1).
The author also claims to have been with Christ upon the mount
of Transfiguration (ch 1:17, 18), an occasion on which only
Peter, James, and John were present (Mt 17:1). The difference
in the style from 1 Peter may be the result of Peter's not having
had the help of the same amanuensis he had in writing his 1st
epistle (see 1 Pe 5:12). It is most logical to suppose that Peter,
an unschooled Palestinian, with Aramaic as his mother tongue,
would use a secretary when he wrote in Greek."—SDA
Bible
Dictionary,
page 847.
The time of writing 1 Peter is of special interest in these
lessons. Since we accept Peter as the author of 1 Peter, the
problem of locating an approximate time in which this letter
was written is very much simplified. Peter died in Rome in
about A.D. 67 during the persecution of Christians by Nero.
"Babylon" in 1 Peter 5:12 is a "cryptic name for Rome"
(SDA
Bible Dictionary,
page 846), and thus 1 Peter was written from
Rome. In his first letter he repeatedly writes about the suffering
and persecution that the Christians of Asia Minor face. This
condition suggests that the letter was written during Nero's
persecution of Christians. The persecution began in A.D. 64,
and Nero himself died in A.D. 68. If Peter died under Nero, and
if the trouble mentioned in 1 Peter refers to Nero's persecu-
tion, then the letter had to be written some time between A.D.
64 and A.D. 68.
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 516-518, 528.
13
THE CHARACTER OF PETER
By Ellen G. White
Although Peter and John were chosen
disciples of Christ, and were counted
among the twelve, they were still im-
perfect in character. Peter was of a
zealous, ardent temperament, and ever
manifested great earnestness in the
cause of Christ. At one time the dis-
ciples were on the sea, and the record
declares that the ship was in the midst
of the sea, tossed with waves, for the
wind was contrary; "and in the fourth
watch of the night Jesus went unto them,
walking on the sea. And when the dis-
ciples saw him walking on the sea, they
were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and
they cried out for fear. But straightway
Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of
good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. Peter
answered him and said, Lord, if it be
thou, bid me come unto thee on the
water. And he said, Come. And when
Peter was come down out of the ship,
he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
But when he saw the wind boisterous,
he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he
cried, saying, Lord, save me. And im-
mediately Jesus stretched forth his
hand, and caught him, and said unto
him, 0 thou of little faith, wherefore
didst thou doubt?"
This incident illustrates much of the
character of impulsive Peter. Faith and
unbelief were blended in his words and
actions. He said, "Lord,
if
it be thou,
bid me come unto thee on the water."
The Lord had assured the disciples, "It
is I; be not afraid." And when Peter saw
the waves around him, saw the boister-
ous winds, he forgot the power of his
Lord, and began to sink; but at his cry
of weakness, Jesus was at his side to
grasp his outstretched hand, and lift
him from the billows.
When the Lord sought to prepare the
minds of his disciples for their last great
trial in his betrayal and crucifixion, Peter
felt that he could not bear to have the
words of the Lord fulfilled; and stirred
with the indignation at the thought of
the injustice so soon to come upon
Christ and his followers, he exclaimed,
"Be it far from thee, Lord; this shall not
be unto thee." The impression which
Christ desired to make upon the minds
of his followers was one directly op-
14
posed to the impression that Peter's
words would make, and
he
rebuked his
disciple with the sternest rebuke that
ever fell from his lips. He said, "Get
thee behind me, Satan: thou art an of-
fense unto me; for thou savorest not the
things that be of God; but those that be
of men."
Although Peter had been long with
the Master, he had a very imperfect con-
ception of the plan of salvation. He did
not desire to see the cross in the work
of Christ, but it was through the cross
that life and hope were to come to
dying men.
When Jesus had spoken of his death,
declaring that all his disciples would be
offended because of him, Peter had
said, "Though all men shall be offended
because of thee, yet will I never be
offended." He assured his Lord that he
would go with him both to prison and
to death; but Jesus knew Peter much
better than the disciple knew himself,
and he said to him, "Verily I say unto
thee, That this night, before the cock
crow, thou shalt deny me thrice."
At the very first trial, Peter failed.
When Jesus bowed in agony in the gar-
den of Gethsemane, Peter was sleeping
with the other disciples, and could not
watch with his suffering Lord one hour.
The thrice-repeated prayer was uttered
that the bitter cup of woe might pass
from the Saviour. Borne down with su-
perhuman agony, Jesus staggered to his
disciples, longing for human sympathy;
but he found that instead of watching
they were sleeping. From his quivering
lips came the mild rebuke to Peter,
"What, could ye not watch with me one
hour?" Then he framed this tender ex-
cuse: "The spirit indeed is willing, but
the flesh is weak."
Jesus had said many things concern-
ing the hour of trial that was to come
upon his disciples when
he
should be
made the object of mockery and re-
proach. He had told them, "All ye shall
be offended because of me." But the
disciples could not believe that they
would manifest such unfaithfulness, and
Peter especially had assured the Master
that he would never leave him, but would
be true to him even if it should lead him
to prison and to death. When Jesus was
actually in the hands of the armed men,
where were the boastful disciples?—
They had fled. Even Peter was in the
rear, far from his suffering Lord. When
the cruel trial began in the judgment
hall, had Jesus a defender in the ardent
Peter? Was he then by the side of his
deserted Lord?—No, but with those who
were mocking and reviling. It is true
that Peter had a deep interest in the
trial, and he did desire to be at the side
of his Lord; but he could not endure the
scorn, the reproach, that would fall upon
him if he should take his place as a dis-
ciple of Christ. When one of the women
of the palace said to Peter, "Thou also
wast with Jesus of Galilee," he denied
before all the company, saying, "I know
not what thou sayest." He who had
made so confident a statement of his
fidelity to Christ, now denied his Lord
at the question of a maid in the palace.
Did he now move nearer to his Lord?
—No, he pushed his way out to the
porch, seeking to escape the prying
eyes of the enemies of his Lord; but
again he was recognized, and another
said to him, "This fellow was also with
Jesus of Nazareth." And again he de-
nied with an oath, "I do not know the
man." Peter was irritated that he could
not find an escape from the eyes of his
enemies; he returned again to the hall,
where he could better view the trial, but
he stood among the mockers and re-
vilers of Christ, and the third time he
was recognized, and they said to him,
"Surely thou also art one of them; for
thy speech betrayeth thee." Peter had
been ready to take up arms in defense
of Christ, but to acknowledge the Lord
when he was the object of scorn and
derision, was more than he had cour-
age to do. He was a moral coward, and
with curses and oaths he denied that
he knew his Master.
Peter had been warned of this temp-
tation; but he did not realize his danger,
and therefore had not prepared himself
for the trial. He had been filled with self-
confidence, and deemed that he was
able to withstand any temptation, assur-
ing the Lord that though all others
should be offended, he would be .ready
to go with him to prison and to death.
When he took his stand with the revilers
of Christ, he placed himself on the
enemy's ground, and he fell. At his third
denial of his Lord the cock crew, and
Jesus turned his eyes upon Peter with
a look of peculiar sadness, and the
words that Christ had spoken to him
came quickly to his mind. All through
his life the memory of that look was
with Peter. His sinful boasting, his Lord's
warning, his denial of the Saviour, all
came to him like a flash of lightning;
and casting one pitiful look upon his
suffering, insulted Lord, he hurried away
from the sound of false accusation and
reproach, rushed from the palace,
plunged into the darkness, and weeping
bitterly, hurried to Gethsemane. He be-
gan to see himself as he really was.
Memory was alive, and his sins were
pictured before him in all their heinous
light. Peter threw himself on the spot
where a few hours before, Jesus had
prayed and wept in agony, and there the
disciple prayed as he never before had
prayed. With deep repentance and ter-
rible remorse he pleaded for forgive-
ness, and he rose a converted man; but
he felt that although Jesus would for-
give him, he could never forgive himself.
Jesus knew all the sorrow and re-
morse of his erring disciple, and when
the heavenly messengers appeared to
the women at the sepulcher, they told
them of Christ's resurrection, and bade
them tell the disciples and Peter, that
he went before them into Galilee. How
eagerly did Peter receive this word of
love and compassion! He knew that his
Lord still thought of him, still loved him,
and he took this message as a sign of
forgiveness.
After his resurrection, Jesus showed
himself to his disciples at the sea of
Tiberias; "and on this wise showed he
himself. There were together Simon
Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and
Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the
sons of Zebedee, and two other of his
disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them,
I go a fishing. They say unto him, We
also go with thee. They went forth, and
entered into a ship immediately; and
that night they caught nothing. But when
the morning was now come, Jesus stood
on the shore; but the disciples knew not
that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto
them, Children, have ye any meat? They
answered him, No. And he said unto
them, Cast the net on the right side of
the ship, and ye shall find. They cast
therefore, and now they were not able
15
to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
Therefore that disciple whom Jesus
loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord.
Now when Simon Peter heard that it
was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat
unto him, (for he was naked,) and did
cast himself into the sea." When the
disciples came to land, they found that
Jesus had prepared them fish and bread.
"So when they had dined, Jesus saith
to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas,
lovest thou me more than these? He
.saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest
that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed
my lambs. He saith to him again the sec-
ond time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest
thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord;
thou knowest that I love thee. He saith
unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto
him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas,
lovest thou me? Peter was grieved be-
cause he said unto him the third time,
Lovest thou me? And he said unto him,
Lord, thou knowest all things; thou
knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith
unto him, Feed my sheep."
In the answers that Peter gave to the
Lord's thrice-repeated question, a dif-
ferent spirit is manifested from what we
find in the boastful assurances before
the crucifixion of Christ. Peter was a
converted man, and showed in his life
that transforming grace had taken pos-
session of his heart. As firm as a rock,
he ever after stood boldly up to witness
for Christ. Jesus had said to Peter,
"Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to
have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
but I have prayed for thee, that thy
faith fail not; and when thou art con-
verted, strengthen thy brethren." Peter
had severe trials to pass through, but
although he was called to go to prison
and to death for Christ's sake, never
again did he waver from his allegiance.
—Review and Herald,
April 7, 1891.
16
FAITH AND TROUBLE
LESSON 2
April 8-14
"However great the deprivation and
suffering of the Christian, however dark
and inscrutable may seem the way of
Providence, he is to rejoice in the Lord,
knowing that all is working for his good. "—
Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible
Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1099.
"Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though
now for a season, if need be, ye are in
heaviness through manifold temptations:
that the trial of your faith, being much
more precious than of gold that perish-
eth, though it be tried with fire, might be
found unto praise and honour and glory
at the appearing of Jesus Christ." 1 Pe-
ter 1:6,7.
The passage to be studied in this
week's lesson presents a look at faith
from four angles. It is a means of God's
power (verse 5), is tested by trial (verse
7), results in salvation (verse 9), is based
on the prophets' messages (verses 10-
12). Peter is writing to Christians who
are in deep trouble with society because
they have exercised faith. The four
points that Peter makes about faith are
a reassurance to these harried believers
that their faith is worthwhile in spite of
the trouble. Through the one element
of faith Peter succeeds in trying together
the power of God, the meaning of trial,
the assurance of ultimate salvation, and
the messages of the prophets. The trials
do not cancel out the other three ele-
ments as some may think.
This faith is more precious than gold,
but, like gold, its genuineness must be
tested. The result of this testing is to
bring glory to God.
"A refining, purifying process is going
on among the people of God, and the
Lord of hosts has set His hand to this
work. This process is most trying to the
soul, but it is necessary in order that
defilement may be removed. Trials are
essential in order that we may be
brought close to our heavenly Father, in
submission to His will, that we may
offer unto the Lord an offering in righ-
teousness. . . . The Lord brings His chil-
dren over the same ground again and
again, increasing the pressure until per-
fect humility fills the mind, and the char-
acter is transformed; then they are vic-
torious over self, and in harmony with
Christ and the Spirit of heaven. The puri-
fication of God's people cannot be ac-
complished without suffering. . . . He
passes us from one fire to another, test-
ing our true worth. True grace is willing
to be tried. If we are loath to be
searched by the Lord, our condition is
one of peril."—My
Life Today,
page 92.
17
Faith and Trouble
LESSON 2
Sunday
April 8
Part 1
LIVING HOPE
1 Peter 1:3, RSV
Why do you think Peter begins this passage with praise to
God? How does it relate to the rest of the passage?
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."
The word "living" is a favorite with Peter. He uses some
form of this word seven times in the first epistle. Six of these
times is in connection with God's work for man. To speak of
the "living hope" is to speak of a hope that has its origin in
God. The Christian participates in this hope because he has
experienced a new birth. Since this hope is exercised in the
present life, it affects the daily experience and allows the
Christian to face troubles with equanimity.
What is the basis of the "living hope"? Verse 3.
This hope is a living hope also because it reaches beyond
death to the resurrection. Compare the Christian religion with
any other religion on earth, and this single ingredient of a liv-
ing hope proclaims it superior.
The resurrection of Jesus has conquered the power of death
forever. Those who identify themselves with Him will partici-
pate in that first resurrection prior to the millenial period if they
are laid to rest before Christ's coming. The doctrine of Christ's
resurrection inspires the Christian to have hope for the future.
This hope has comforted persecuted Christians throughout
history. It has enabled surrendered men to endure the loss of
all things.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can I maintain hope while living in conditions that lead
to despair and pessimism?
"The heart is to be carefully kept and guarded. 'What shall
it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his
own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?'
Mark 8:36, 37. Christ must abide in the heart by faith. His word
is the bread of life and the water of salvation. Trust in its full-
ness comes to us through constant communion with God. By
eating the flesh and drinking the blood of Christ we gain spir-
itual strength. Christ supplies the lifeblood of the heart, and
Christ and the Holy Spirit give nerve power. Begotten again,
unto a lively hope, imbued with the quickening power of a new
nature, the soul is enabled to rise higher and still higher."—
Counsels on Health,
page 593.
FURTHER STUDY
Counsels on Stewardship,
pages 226, 227;
Counsels to
Teachers,
page 490.
18
Faith and Trouble
LESSON 2
Monday
April
9
Part 2
GOD'S KEEPING
POWER
1 Peter 1:4, 5, RSV
How does the Christian come into possession of the heav-
enly inheritance? Verses 3, 4.
"And to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and
unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are
guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in
the last time."
Verses 3 and 4 point out that along with new birth comes
not only a living hope but also a place for the hope to be
realized. It is called an "inheritance." One does not work for
an inheritance; he comes into possession of it because of
family relationship. God is keeping it for His born-anew sons
and daughters. Whatever the Christian's inheritance will be,
Peter assures us that it is eternal, pure, and always beautiful.
What two things combine to keep or guard the persons who
are to receive a heavenly inheritance? Verse 5.
In verse 4 Peter wrote of the incorruptible inheritance which
is kept for the redeemed. He follows this promise with the as-
surance that the people who were born anew by God's mercy
are guarded (in Greek it is a military term) by His power, day
by day, so that they may be able to claim the inheritance which
is reserved in heaven for them. There is salvation from the
power of sin and Satan today, as there will be salvation from
the presence of Satan and sin in the future.
The power to overcome sin comes to man through faith.
Verse 5. God does not work independently of faith. Faith is
built through consistent, Spirit-guided study of God's Word and
prayer.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can I ensure that I am "kept" by God's power for the
coming of Jesus?
"In these thoroughly converted souls the world has a wit-
ness to the sanctifying power of truth upon the human char-
acter. Through them Christ makes known to the world His
character and will. In the lives of God's children is revealed
the blessedness of serving the Lord, and the opposite is seen
in those who do not keep His commandments. The line of de-
marcation is distinct. All who obey God's commandments are
kept by His mighty power amid the corrupting influence of the
transgressors of His law. From the lowliest subject to the high-
est in positions of trust, they are kept by the power of God
through faith unto salvation."—Evangelism, page 316.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
page 506;
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 307.
19
Faith and Trouble
LESSON 2
Tuesday
April 10
Part 3
THE TEST OF FAITH
1 Peter 1:6,1, RSV
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
20
What is the basis of the rejoicing referred to in verse 6?
"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while you may
have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your
faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested
by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the reve-
lation of Jesus Christ."
They had experience in God's abundant mercy. The resur-
rection of Christ made their hope certain. Verse 3. They had a
hope of an incorruptible inheritance. Verse 4. They were kept
by the power of God. Verse 5. These were reasons for rejoic-
ing.
In verse 6, Peter's reference to trials is not merely to the
usual trials of the Christian life, but to a special time of diffi-
culty with a diversity of problems, that was confronting the
Christians of Asia Minor, and probably of the whole Empire.
This may have been during the reign of Nero.
How were the recipients of Peter's letter to know if their
faith was genuine or counterfeit? Verses 6, 7.
Peter's discussion of trials gives the believer a reason for
them. It is to test the genuineness of faith. Consider the non-
Christian who sees loved ones laid to rest, who bears financial
reverses, or who is struck down with a terminal disease, but
cannot understand why. How often persons in such situations
are overwhelmed by hopelessness. The true Christian may not
be able to explain the detailed reason for each trial, but he
knows that every adverse circumstance, endured in faith,
proves his faith genuine. This tested and tried faith is valuable
because it is the means of realizing the living hope. He also
knows that any trials that come his way, not due to his own
deliberate mistakes or stubborn wrong choices, are for testing,
not for punishment. Each trial to the true believer may not only
test his faith, but also result in increase of faith.
What means has God provided for me so that I can rejoice
in faith in Jesus even when I have troubles?
"God never leads His children otherwise than they would
choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning,
and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling
as coworkers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to
heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was
greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished
alone in the dungeon. 'Unto you it is given in the behalf of
Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His
sake.' Phil. 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow
upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most
weighty trust and the highest honor."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 224, 225.
Testimonies,
Vol. 5, pp. 577-580.
Faith and Trouble
LESSON 2
Wednesday
April 11
Part 4
LOVE AND FAITH
1 Peter 1:8, 9, RSV
What was the result of Peter's friends' love of, and belief in,
the unseen Christ?
"Without having seen him you love him; though you do not
now see him you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable
and exalted joy. As the outcome of your faith you obtain the
salvation of your souls."
The readers of Peter's letter had never seen Christ. Yet they
loved Him so dearly that they rejoiced with an unspeakable
joy. This is faith; Peter indicates it in verse 9. Faith and love
combine in the Christian life, and either is incomplete alone.
Paul wrote, "If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let
him be Anathema" (1 Cor. 16:22). All the rules, standards, regu-
lations, laws, preaching, profession, and praying mean nothing
unless we have a deep love for the Saviour.
How can love for the unseen Christ be increased? Consider
the following: (1) Seek for every inspired statement in the Scrip-
tures and the spirit of prophecy writings which deals with Christ
and His character. (2) Let the memory daily dwell upon the
points of His life and character. (3) Feed the flames of your
love for Him with the promises of God. (4) In your personal
prayers seek a place where you can be alone. (5) When per-
forming Christian duties, connect your actions with' your love
for Christ. (6) Talk to others about Christ and tell them why you
love Him supremely. (7) When singing gospel songs or hymns
in home or church worship, note the words carefully and make
a conscious effort to understand that your voice is being up-
lifted in praise to One you love.
Peter emphasizes the "conclusion" or the "final end in
view" of our faith, which is glorification. Those who on earth
have experienced justification and sanctification will finally
experience glorification. When each segment of the Christian's
life is put together, and the journey is terminated, then we
receive the "end" or "goal" of our faith—eternal life with our
Saviour.
The apostle Paul compares the life of sin with the life of
righteousness. Rom. 6:21, 22. The end of those who maintain
their faith in Christ is "everlasting life." He emphasizes the
fact that while the harvest of salvation is experienced when
Christ comes, freedom from slavery to sin is now!
THINK IT THROUGH'
What is the source of motivation for all of my religious
activities?
"How broad and deep and measureless is the love of God
manifested to man! No words can describe this love; it sur-
passes all thought and imagination, but it is a reality that you
may learn by experience; you may rejoice in it with joy un-
speakable and full of
glory."—Testimonies,
Vol. 3, p. 458.
FURTHER
STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 348;
Testimonies, Vol. 7,
p. 46;
The
Desire of Ages,
page 83.
21
Faith and Trouble
LESSON 2
Thursday
April 12
Part 5
THE BASIS OF FAITH
1 Peter 1:10
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
22
"Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched
diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto
you."
The
apostle has written about the unseen Jesus. It requires
faith on our part to believe in Him. The faith of the early Chris-
tian church was founded on the Old Testament prophets who
not only eagerly looked forward to Christ's day but prophesied
of it.
Many of these prophets themselves had an imperfect com-
prehension of the plan of redemption. Yet their confidence was
strong in a coming Messiah and a future eternal life.
Jesus declared, "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my
day: and he saw it, and was glad" (John 8:56). Christ's discus-
sion with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus shows the
importance of Old Testament prophetic utterances concerning
Himself. "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he
expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concern-
ing himself." Luke 24:27.
Prophets of old undoubtedly searched the writings of those
that preceded them as well as their own writings regarding the
plan of salvation.
We today stand, with respect to the coming of Jesus, in a
situation similar to that of the days when the first advent was
still prophecy. "To us who are standing on the very verge of
their fulfillment, of what deep moment, what living interest, are
these delineations of the things to come—events for which,
since our first parents turned their steps from Eden, God's
children have watched and waited, longed and prayed!"—Edu-
cation,
page 183.
How can I be certain that I understand the events relative
to Christ's second coming?
"Yet while it was not given to the prophets to understand
fully the things revealed to them, they earnestly sought to obtain
all the light which God had been pleased to make manifest.
They 'inquired and searched diligently,' searching what, or
what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did
signify.' What a lesson to the people of God in the Christian
age, for whose benefit these prophecies were given to His
servants! 'Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves,
but unto us they did minister.' Witness those holy men of God
as they 'inquired and searched diligently' concerning revela-
tions given them for generations that were yet unborn. Contrast
their holy zeal with the listless unconcern with which the fa-
vored ones of later ages treat this gift of Heaven. What a rebuke
to the ease-loving, world-loving indifference which is content
to declare that the prophecies cannot be understood!"—The
Great Controversy,
page 344.
Prophets and Kings,
page 22;
The Desire of Ages,
page 234.
Faith and Trouble
LESSON 2
Friday
April 13
Part 6
PRIVILEGED
BELIEVERS
1 Peter 1:12, RSV
THINK IT THROUGH
"It was revealed to them that they were serving not them-
selves but you, In the things which have now been announced
to you by those who preached the good news to you through
the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long
to look."
These prophets, Peter said, really worked for the people he
was writing to, since the prophets' revelations contributed to
the Christian understanding of the gospel.
"Even the prophets who were favored with the special illu-
mination of the Spirit did not fully comprehend the import of
the revelations committed to them. The meaning was to be
unfolded from age to age, as the people of God should need
the instruction therein contained."—The
Great Controversy,
page 344.
To stress further the privilege human beings have of know-
ing the truths of salvation, Peter points out that even the angels
desire to understand these divine mysteries. Why should un-
fallen angels be interested in the theme of salvation? "This is
the mystery into which angels desire to look. They desire to
know how Christ could live and work in a fallen world, how He
could mingle with sinful humanity. It was a mystery to them
that He who hated sin with intense hatred felt the most tender,
compassionate sympathy for the beings that committed sin."'
—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7,
p. 904.
This verse can be a challenge to us as lost sinners. It should
lead us to study and investigate the prophecies and their ful-
fillments centering around the entire plan of salvation. Note the
groups who are engaged in searching out the unfathomable
details of the sacrifice of Christ: (1) prophets, (2) apostles and
ministers, (3) those interested in hearing and learning, (4) an-
gels.
How much time am I spending studying Christ's life, suffer-
ing, death, resurrection, and soon coming?
"The science of redemption is the science of all sciences,
the science that is the study of the angels and of all the intelli-
gences of the unfallen worlds, the science that engages the
attention of our Lord and Saviour, the science that enters into
the purpose brooded in the mind of the Infinite—'kept in silence
through times eternal,' the science that will be the study of
God's redeemed throughout the endless ages. This is the high-
est study in which it is possible for man to engage. As no other
study can, it will quicken the mind and uplift the soul. .. .
"The theme of redemption is one that angels desire to look
into; it will be the science and the song of the redeemed
throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. Is it not worthy of
careful thought and study now?"—My
Life Today,
page 360.
FURTHER STUDY
Counsels to Teachers,
pages 11-18.
23
LESSON 3
April 15-21
LIVE A
HOLY LIFE!
"Well you know that it was no perish-
able stuff, like gold or silver, that bought
your freedom from the empty folly of
your traditional ways. The price was
paid in precious blood, as it were of a
lamb without mark or blemish—the
blood of Christ." 1 Peter 1:18, 19, NEB.
Up to this point the apostle Peter has
been writing of the born-anew believer
(verse 3) who by faith expects salvation
in the "last time," but whose faith is
being tested by trials in the present, and
supported by prophetic revelation from
the past.
The word "therefore" in verse 13 indi-
cates that what follows is in the light of
what precedes it. Believers are to "gird
up" their "minds" in the light of the
work of the prophets especially for them,
and the desire of the angels to examine
24
the gospel. Reference to "grace . . .
the revelation of Jesus Christ" carries
us back to verse 7 which indicates that
we are to set our hope upon this grace
because there is trouble and suffering.
"As obedient children" carries us back
to verse 3 and reference to "born anew."
Thus the basic force of "therefore" in
this instance is something we are to do
in light of the gospel, our trials, and our
new faith. What are we to do? Be holy!
The article by Ellen G. White which
follows this lesson was printed in the
Review and Herald, May
10, 1906.
"The New Life in Christ" is to be
read as supplementary material for
this week.
Live a Holy Life!
LESSON 3
Sunday
April 15
Part 1
STRENGTHENING
THE MIND
1 Peter 1:13
THINK IT THROUGH
"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and
hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you
at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
This text deals with alertness and watchfulness. Who better
than Peter knew by experience that unless a man watches
carefully, he is sure to fall miserably. He proudly announced
to Christ on that last Thursday evening before the crucifixion,
"Although all shall be offended, yet will not I" (Mark 14:29).
Poor Peter denied Christ when he should have denied self and
stayed awake and watched lest he enter into temptation. So
he can speak out of his own experience of the necessity of
being careful and watchful.
The concept of strengthening and preparing the mind was
expressed by Christ in Luke 12:35, 36: "Let your loins be girded
about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men
that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding;
that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him
immediately."
For what purpose is the mind to be girded up? Verse 13.
The expression "wherefore gird up the loins of your mind"
was probably derived from the type of dress worn in those
days. The long garments were pulled up and tucked into the
waistband thus facilitating walking, working, or running. The
Christain who senses his responsibility, recognizes that life is
more than foolishness. There should be a purpose for every
movement.
Spiritual dangers and enemies beset on every side. One of
the most difficult things for Christians to sense is:the reality of
the battle they are in. Peter tries to warn Christian's to be vigi-
lant against every type of spiritual danger. Perversions of truth
abound. For every one of God's true doctrines and standards
the devil has one or more false ones.
What can I do to "gird up the loins" of my mind?
"Few realize that it is a duty to exercise control over the
thoughts and imaginations. It is difficult to keep the undisci-
plined mind fixed upon profitable subjects. But if the thoughts
are not properly employed, religion cannot flourish in the soul.
The mind must be preoccupied with sacred and eternal things,
or it will cherish trifling and superficial thoughts. Both the in-
tellectual and the moral powers must be disciplined, and they
will strengthen and improve by exercise.
"In order to understand this matter aright, we must remem-
ber that our hearts are naturally depraved, and we are unable
of ourselves to pursue a right course. It is only by the grace
of God, combined with the most earnest effort on our part, that
we can gain the victory."—Counsels
to Teachers,
page 544.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 2, pp. 265, 266, 470.
25
Live a Holy Life!
LESSON 3
Monday
April 16
Part 2
OBEDIENT
CHILDREN
1 Peter 1:14
THINK IT THROUGH
From the information given in verse 14, what is the basis of
disobedience?
"As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according
to the former lusts in your ignorance."
Peter emphasizes the privilege and need of living a life of
obedience. From this viewpoint, there are only two kinds of
children—the obedient and disobedient. All of us at one time
or another have belonged to the disobedient class.
"The word 'fashion' in the Greek text refers to the act of
assuming an outward appearance patterned after some certain
thing, an appearance or expression which does not come from
and is not representative of one's inmost and true nature. It
refers here to the act of a child of God assuming as an outward
expression the habits, mannerisms, dress, speech expressions,
and behavior of the world out from which God saved him, thus
not giving a true expression of what he is, a cleansed, regen-
erated child of God, but instead, hiding the Lord Jesus who
should be seen in the life of the Christian. It is the believer
masquerading in the costume of the world."—Kenneth S. Wuest,
First Peter in the Greek New Testament,
page 37.
The lust of sinners is the badge of their willfulness. Lust is
like a wild horse which cannot be restrained. It asserts its own
will to the detriment of itself. Lust fashions a man. Enslaving
habits become tyrants and prove the ruin of multitudes.
The word "ignorance" undoubtedly refers to an ignorance
of God. This may be a willful ignorance, or as with Paul, a true
ignorance. Paul said he was a blasphemer and persecutor but
he "obtained mercy, because [he] did it ignorantly in unbelief"
(1 Tim. 1:13).
Is my character being shaped by my self-centered desires or
by God's will?
"Wherever the word of God has been faithfully preached,
results have followed that attested its divine origin. The Spirit
of God accompanied the message of His servants, and the
word was with power. Sinners felt their consciences quick-
ened....
"These souls brought forth fruit meet for repentance. They
believed and were baptized, and rose to walk in newness of
life—new creatures in Christ Jesus; not to fashion themselves
according to the former lusts, but by the faith of the Son of
God to follow in His steps, to reflect His character, and to
purify themselves even as He is pure. The things they once
hated they now loved, and the things they once loved they
hated. The proud and self-assertive became meek and lowly
of heart. The vain and supercilious became serious and un-
obtrusive. The profane became reverent, the drunken sober,
and the profligate pure. The vain fashions of the world were
laid aside."—The
Great Controversy,
pages 461, 462.
The Adventist Home,
pages 127, 128;
Temperance,
pages
140, 141.
FURTHER STUDY
26
Live a Holy Life!
LESSON 3
Tuesday
April 17
Part 3
HOLY CONDUCT
1 Peter 1:15, 16,
RSV
THINK IT THROUGH
When verses 13 to 16 are read together, what do you find
to be the basis of obedience?
"But as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all
your conduct; since it is written, 'You shall be holy,, for I am
holy.' "
Peter issues a call to Christians to pattern their conduct after
God and not after their own lusts. He urges them to a holy life.
The word "holy" in Greek means "set apart" or "separate."
Man is set apart from sin. The word "saint" is a translation of
a word with the same root. Thus a saint is one who lives a holy,
or sanctified, life.
The word "conversation" in the King James Version of the
Bible means "behavior," or "conduct." Peter uses this term
eight times in his writings. It is not only how a person talks but
how he walks which determines whether a man is holy or not.
When a man becomes a Christian, a new standard of living
is set before him. The model to be copied is none less than
God Himself. We become "imitators of God." Eph. 5:1, RSV. A
Christian becomes one of God's family, and he ought to look
like the family. So we put on the new man "after the image of
him that created him." Col. 3:10.
Being holy as God is holy is a totally unattainable goal if
attempted in our own power. His command to be holy carries
with it the enabling promise of power. He does not require the
impossible; He will enable us to reach the condition that He
has commanded us to reach.
Am I trying to be different just to be different? In what ways
are my differences based upon my adherence to the principles
of God's character?
"God has commanded us, 'Be ye holy; for I am holy;' and
an inspired apostle declares that without holiness 'no man shall
see the Lord.' Holiness is agreement with God. By sin the image
of God in man has been marred and well-nigh obliterated; it is
the work of the gospel to restore that which has been lost; and
we are to co-operate with the divine agency in this work. And
how can we come into harmony with God, how shall we receive
His likeness, unless we obtain a knowledge of Him? It is this
knowledge that Christ came into the world to reveal unto us.
"The meager views which so many have had of the exalted
character and office of Christ have narrowed their religious
experience and have greatly hindered their progress in the
divine life. Personal religion among us as a people is at a low
ebb. There is much form, much machinery, much tongue reli-
gion; but something deeper and more solid must be brought into
our religious experience."—Testi
monies,
Vol. 5, p. 743.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 3,
pp.
253-256.
27
Live a Holy Life!
LESSON 3
Wednesday
April 18
Part 4
JUDGED BY AN
UNBIASED JUDGE
1 Peter 1:11
Phillips
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER
STUDY
28
What does Peter give as the reason that men should fear
God?
"If you pray to a Father who judges men by their actions
without the slightest favoritism, then you should spend the time
of your stay here on earth with reverent fear."
The equality of God's judgment is stressed by Peter. The
Father's judgment is actually done through the Son. "For the
Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto
the Son." John 5:22. See also 2 Cor. 5:10.
Peter had learned from his divinely directed visit to the
Gentile centurion, Cornelius, that God is no respecter of per-
sons.
"The words 'without respect of persons' are the translation
of one word in Greek which means literally, 'does not receive
face.' That is, God does not receive anybody's face. He is
impartial. Outward appearance, wealth, culture, social position,
family background, education, beauty, intellect, all things that
more or less sway the opinions of man, do not count with God
when it comes to appraising a person's character or worthi-
ness."—Kenneth S. Wuest,
First Peter in the Greek New Testa-
ment,
page 40.
What is the correct response to God's impartiality? Verse 17.
The counsel to fear God is based on the impartiality of the
Judge. Man must not count on special concessions in the judg-
ment, but he must fear to behave in a way that the Judge
cannot approve. The fear of God is really the fear to sin because
God has condemned sin prior to the judgment. Thus the fear
of God is shown by obedience to the law of God.
If we believe in righteousness by faith, then why does God
judge a man according to his works?
"Let everyone who professes the name of Christ consider
the fact that he must meet every act of injustice, give an ac-
count for every harsh word, at the judgment seat of Christ.
It will not be pleasant to review the words that have been
spoken that have wounded and bruised souls, to review the
decisions that have worked against souls for whom Christ died.
Every action will come into judgment, and the spirit that
prompted it will be made manifest. The fruit of every selfish,
arbitrary exaction will be made plain, and men will see the re-
sults of their doings even as God sees them. They will see that
they have turned precious souls out of the right path by deal-
ing with them in an un-Christlike manner. We are living in the
great Day of Atonement, and it is now time that everyone should
repent before God, confess his sins, and by living faith rest
upon the merit of a crucified and living
Saviour."—Testimonies
to Ministers,
pages 224, 225.
Testimonies,
Vol. 4, pp. 384-387.
Live a Holy Life!
LESSON 3
Thursday
April 19
Part 5
THE INSUFFICIENCY
OF SILVER AND
GOLD
1 Peter 1:18, 19,
RSV
From what were the believers ransomed?
"You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways
inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such
as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like
that of a Iamb without blemish or spot."
The last part of verse 18 points out that redemption is not
only a model, it involves a total change in a man's life. "From
the futile ways" refers to the conduct from which they had
been redeemed. This is a pointed appeal to those whose en-
vironment was unconducive to living a Christian life. "Inherited
from your fathers" could apply to Christians coming from either
pagan or Jewish backgrounds. Salvation by works lay at the
heart both of heathenism and of perverted Judaism.
Peter sets forth first of all what they have
not
been redeemed
with. A Roman slave might purchase his freedom with silver
and gold, but a Mount Everest of gold cannot secure the release
of a soul from sin.
How much time do we spend on contemplating the fact of
redemption? Do we really sense the immense cost of our re-
demption? Since the whole human race has been potentially
redeemed, why should anyone remain in slavery to Satan?
Which do you ordinarily think of as precious: silver and gold,
or blood? Which as perishable? Can you find a reason for
Peter's change from the human scale of value and perishability?
Verses 20, 21.
THINK IT THROUGH
Does any act which I perform, however good it may be, help
to offset any sin which I have committed?
"Jesus is our atoning sacrifice. We can make no atonement
for ourselves; but by faith we can accept the atonement that
has been made. . . . 'Ye were not redeemed with corruptible
things, . . . but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb
without blemish and without spot' (1 Peter 1:18, 19). It was
through infinite sacrifice and inexpressible suffering that our
Redeemer placed redemption within our reach. He was in this
world unhonored and unknown, that, through His wonderful
condescension and humiliation, He might exalt man to receive
eternal honors and immortal joys in the heavenly courts. During
His thirty years of life on earth His heart was wrung with in-
conceivable anguish. The path from the manger to Calvary was
shadowed by grief and sorrow. He was a man of sorrows, and
acquainted with grief, enduring such heartache as no human
language can portray."—Selected
Messages,
Bk. 1, pp. 321,
322.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
page 311;
Christ's Object Lessons,
Chap.
15, "This Man Receiveth Sinners," pages 196, 197.
29
Live a Holy Life!
LESSON 3
Friday
April 20
What shows Christ's value? Verse 20.
"Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the
world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by
him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and
gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God."
The imperative "be ye holy" in verse 16 has been followed
by the reasons for this command: (1) God is holy; (2) God is
an impartial Judge; (3) redemption, the means of holiness, has
been provided in Christ at great cost. Today's lesson empha-
sizes the responsibility that the Christian has to be holy in the
light of the pre-earth decision to redeem man.
"Who by him do believe in God." The full revelation of the
character of God is seen in Jesus Christ. The Saviour made
this point clear when He declared, "He who has seen me has
seen the Father." John 14:9, RSV.
"The earth was dark through misapprehension of God. That
the gloomy shadows might be lightened, that the world might
be brought back to God, Satan's deceptive power was to be
broken. This could not be done by force. The exercise of force
is contrary to the principles of God's government; He desires
only the service of love; and love cannot be commanded; it
cannot be won by force or authority. Only by love is love awak-
ened. To know God is to love Him; His character must be mani-
fested in contrast to the character of Satan. This work only one
Being in all the universe could do. Only He who knew the height
and depth of the love of God could make it known."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 22.
What shows Christ's imperishability? Verse 21.
Part 6
NO EMERGENCY
WITH GOD
1 Peter 1:20, 21
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
30
How can I develop a personal, vivid sense that Jesus' sacri-
fice was for my sake?
"The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious
in His sight than the whole world. The Saviour would have
passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved
in His kingdom. He will never abandon one for whom He has
died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold
them fast."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 483.
"The heart of God yearns over His earthly children with a
love stronger than death. In giving up His Son, He has poured
out to us all heaven in one gift. The Saviour's life and death
and intercession, the ministry of angels, the pleading of the
Spirit, the Father working above and through all, the unceas-
ing interest of heavenly beings,—all are enlisted in behalf of
man's redemption.
"Oh, let us contemplate the amazing sacrifice that has been
made for us! Let us try to appreciate the labor and energy that
Heaven is expending to reclaim the lost, and bring them back
to the Father's house."—Steps
to Christ,
page 21.
The Desire of Ages,
pages 147, 834, 835.
THE NEW LIFE IN CHRIST
By Ellen G. White
"And you hath he quickened, who
were dead in trespasses and sins; where-
in in time past ye walked according to
the course of this world, according to
the prince of the power of the air, the
spirit that now worketh in the children
of disobedience; among whom also we
all had our conversation in times past
in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the de-
sires of the flesh and of the mind; and
were by nature the children of wrath,
even as others."
But a change came. You were con-
victed and converted. Did you then ex-
ercise the faith that works by love and
purifies the soul, or did you continue to
follow the same evil habits and prac-
tices that you followed before your
conversion? If you were genuinely con-
verted, you turned away from all wrong.
The mind which has been placed in the
control of Christ, and on which he has
wrought by his grace, becomes refined,
purified, elevated.
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for
his great love wherewith he loved us,
even when we were dead in sins, hath
quickened us together with Christ (by
grace ye are saved), and hath raised us
up together, and made us sit together in
heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in
the ages to come he might show the
exceeding riches of his grace in his
kindness toward us through Christ
Jesus."
Let us consider the representation
that God wants us to make before an-
gels and before men. By helpful words,
purity of actions, nobility of principle,
the Christian is to reveal Christ. "We
are his workmanship, created in Christ
Jesus unto good works, which God hath
before ordained that we should walk in
them." Those who obey these words will
show what a belief in the truth that
Christ came to impart, will do for human
beings.
"Wherefore remember," Paul says,
"that ye being in time past Gentiles in
the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision
by that which is called the Circumci-
sion in the flesh made by hands; that at
that time"—before light broke into the
darkened chambers of the soul—"ye
were without Christ, being aliens from
the commonwealth of Israel, and stran-
gers from the covenants of promise, hav-
ing no hope, and without God in the
world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who
sometimes were afar off are made nigh
by the blood of Christ."
The apostle desired those to whom he
was writing to remember that they must
reveal in their lives the glorious change
wrought in them by Christ's transform-
ing grace. They were to be lights in the
world, by their purified, sanctified char-
acters exerting an influence counter to
the influence of satanic agencies. They
were ever to remember the words, "Not
of yourselves." They could not change
their own hearts. And when by their
efforts souls were led from Ihe ranks of
Satan to take their stand for Christ, they
were not to claim any credit for the
transformation wrought.
God's workers to-day are to remem-
ber this. The great change that is seen
in the life of a sinner after conversion
is not brought about by any human
goodness. "He that glorieth, let him
glory in the Lord." Let those who are
brought to repentance declare that it
is only because of the goodness of God
that they have been led to Christ.
He who is rich in mercy has imparted
his grace to us. Then let praise and
thanksgiving ascend to him, because he
has become our Saviour. Let his love,
filling our hearts and minds, flow forth
from our lives in rich currents of grace.
When we were dead in trespasses and
sins, he quickened us into spiritual life.
He brought grace and pardon, filling the
soul with new life. Thus the sinner
passes from death to life. He now takes
up his new duties in Christ's service. His
life becomes true and strong, filled with
good works. "Because I live," Christ
said, "ye shall live also."
I ask every church-member to con-
sider the words, "ye must be born
again." Are you living a new life in
Christ? Are you doing his work? Are
you honoring him by showing the great
blessing that is found in standing under
his banner? Are you so grateful to Christ
for his redeeming love, so faithful and
31
true to his service, that your heart can
not be haughty, selfish, self-centered?
Is watching unto prayer a part of your
daily life?
The truly converted man has no time
to think or talk of the faults of others.
His lips are sanctified, and as God's
faithful witness he testifies that the
grace of Christ has transformed his
heart. He realizes that
he
can not afford
to talk discouragement and unbelief; he
can not afford to be harsh and faultfind-
ing. He has not received orders from
God to punish the erring by heaping
abuse upon them.
My brethren and sisters, be afraid to
find fault, afraid to talk against your
fellow beings, lest you lose the sense
that you are dedicated to the service
of God, and that as a faithful servant you
must keep his interests in view. You are
to live a life that will convince others
that you are a child of God, under the
training of the Captain of your salvation,
that you may be prepared for active ser-
vice. You have enlisted to fight against
Satan's forces, and you have no time to
fight against your fellow soldiers.
God calls upon his church to awake
to their duty, to show themselves true
and loyal to the Captain of their salva-
tion. They are to follow his example, and
learn what it means to be faithful to him
who loves them, and who has given
them a place in his army.
Not to Destroy, But to Save
Envy, evil surmising, backbiting, and
faultfinding,—let these not be named
among Christ's disciples. These things
are the cause of the present feebleness
of the church. We have a perfect Pat-
tern, even the life of Christ. It is to be
our eager desire to do as he has done,
to live as he lived, that others, by seeing
our good works, may be led to glorify
God. The blessing of heaven will rest
upon those who try to help others by
doing the work that Christ came to do.
God gave his only begotten Son to
die for a race of rebels, that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish but
have everlasting life. Why should we not
walk and work in the way that God has
marked out? Why should any one please
the enemy by tearing down another's
work, using the powers God has given
him to kill hope and drive souls into
discouragement? In every church there
32
are young men and women who need
the help of a strong, compassionate
hand-clasp, of a loving, Christlike inter-
est that will not let them go. Let there
be an end to bickering over little things.
Cease to speak words that do no good,
and come close to those who have
erred. Take hold of them, and draw
them to Christ. Give Satan no chance
to enter our ranks.
Angels are sent from the heavenly
courts, not to destroy, but to watch over
and guard imperiled souls, to save the
lost, to bring the straying ones back to
the fold. "I came not to condemn, but
to save," Christ declared. Have you,
then, no pitying words to speak to the
straying? Will you let them perish, or
will you reach out to them a helping
hand? Right around you there are souls
who are in danger of perishing. Will you
not with the cords of love draw them
to the Saviour? Will you not cease your
reproaches, and speak words that will
inspire them with faith and courage?
God's Message to Us
"For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of
Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if ye have
heard of the dispensation of the grace
of God which is given me to you-ward:
how that by revelation he made known
unto me the mystery, which in other
ages was not made known unto the sons
of men, as it is now revealed unto
his holy apostles and prophets by the
Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fel-
low heirs, and of the same body, and
partakers of his promise in Christ by the
gospel: whereof I was made a minister,
according to the gift of the grace of
God given unto me by the effectual
working of his power. Unto me, who
am less than the least of all saints, is
this grace given, that I should preach
among the Gentiles the unsearchable
riches of Christ; and to make all men
see what is the fellowship of the mys-
tery, which from the beginning of the
world hath been hid in God, who cre-
ated all things by Jesus Christ: to the
intent that now unto the principalities
and powers in heavenly places might be
known by the church the manifold wis-
dom of God, according to the eternal
purpose which he purposed in Christ
Jesus our Lord."
This is the message that I am com-
missioned to bear to you: You are to
take the words addressed by Paul to the
church at Ephesus as if addressed to
you personally. By alienation, disunion,
and diversity of opinion, Satan has hin-
dered the work outlined in the words of
the apostle. Had believers put self out
of sight, had they refused to carry out
the plans devised by Satan to hinder
the work of God, how much farther ad-
vanced we might now be! For years mes-
sages have been sent pointing out the
work to be done. But this work has not
been accomplished. Believers have
stood directly across the path of its
accomplishment, blocking the way by
envy, evil surmisings, and faultfinding.
They have sought the highest place.
Commercial business has absorbed the
attention and consumed the means that
ought to have been given to the procla-
mation of the message of salvation.
Thank God, something has been done,
but a thousand times more might have
been done than has been done. The
enemy has brought in a variety of things
to occupy the minds of believers. Time
is fast passing, the work is still undone,
and the world is growing worse and
worse. And yet in mercy the Spirit of
God is still striving with souls. Brethren
and sisters, I call upon you to put on
the whole armor of God. Those who
have never heard the reasons of our
faith are now to be reached. Many are
waiting for a message from God's Word.
Go to them, and tell them where we are
standing in the history of this world.
The end is near, and the message
contained in the third chapter of Ephe-
sians is the message that I am bidden
to give to believers. A world-wide work
is to be done. We are now to go to work
in earnest to proclaim the truth. The
Voice said, "Lift up your voice like a
trumpet, and show my people their trans-
gressions, and the house of Jacob their
sins. They are hindering the proclama-
tion of the last message of warning."
Paul carried a burden that we ought
now to be carrying. A great work is to
be done, and it is to be done in a short
time. 0, how much there is to do, and
how many there are who for various rea-
sons are not engaged in God's work!
Satan is devising plans to keep the
Lord's forces out of the work. He does
not want people to be aroused to a
realization of the swift judgments that
are coming upon the world.
My brethren and sisters, let us arouse
to an understanding of our true posi-
tion. God will not be trifled with. He has
spoken in judgments to arouse those
who for years have worked at cross-
purposes with him. These. judgments
were not mere casualties. They were
the reproof of God to his people. I en-
treat those who have, as it were, defied
God to his face, no longer to dishonor
him by clinging to their own way. Let
us now take up the work of God intel-
ligently and unitedly, proclaiming as
with one voice the message of warning
and salvation. Let us heed the word of
the Lord, lest coming suddenly, he find
us unready. There will be no second
probation. Now, while it is called to-day,
if we will hear the voice of the Lord, and
turn fully to him, he will diave mercy
upon us, and abundantly pardon.—Re-
view and Herald, May
10, 1906.
33
REBIRTH AND GROWTH
LESSON 4
April 22-28
"You have been born
anew, not of mortal parent-
age but of immortal, through
the living and enduring
word of God." 1 Peter 1:23,
N.E.B.
"Being born again, not of corruptible
seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of
God, which liveth and abideth for ever."
1 Peter 1:23.
Peter describes the religious experi-
ence of the Asia Minor Christians as a
new birth. His concepts coincide with
those of the apostle John who declared
that a man's spiritual life depends "not
on the course of nature nor on any im-
pulse or plan of man, but on God." John
1:13, Phillips. Here is the secret of Chris-
tian power.
Many plans for social betterment to-
day are based on the philosophy of
working from the outside to the inside
of the human being. But the Scriptural
principle is that the work must begin
from the inside of the person. Renewal
must begin in the human heart. If men's
hearts are not changed, all of the plans
and programs devised for human better-
ment, while they may alleviate trouble,
34
will not bring about a basic change in
human nature.
"It is written" was the foundation
principle upon which Christ stood, and
His example is for all time. Peter ap-
peals to the believer to grasp every word
of God, believe it, and live by it! Anyone
who will take His word and order his life
by it will find salvation.
"Satan well knows that all whom he
can lead to neglect prayer and the
searching of the Scriptures, will be over-
come by his attacks. Therefore he in-
vents every possible device to engross
the mind."—The
Great Controversy,
page
519. Christians must be awake and on
guard to make sure that they are not
only "born again," but that they main-
tain this new birth by a consistent study
of God's Word. In Peter's illustration
the Word is the means both of birth and
of sustenance, just as a human mother
bears her child and nurses it.
Rebirth and Growth
LESSON 4
Sunday
April 22
Part 1
OBEDIENCE,
PURIFICATION,
AND AFFECTION
1 Peter 1:22
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the result of purification of the soul?
"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth
through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that
ye love one another with a pure heart fervently."
The secret of obedience and purification of the soul is the
power of the Spirit. No man can obey the truth or purify him-
self without the Spirit's aid.
Peter's point is in harmony with the words of Christ in John
17:17: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
Obedience to the Word of God brings man into harmony with
Christ. Thus a man's life becomes more pure, more holy, and
more like the character of God.
We need a divine innocence resulting from an ignorance of
wrongdoing! Is a person able truly to love his brother fer-
vently without this experience of purification resulting from
obedience? "Obedience to the word produces fruit of the re-
quired quality—'unfeigned love of the brethren.' This life is
heaven-born and leads to high motives and unselfish actions."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 520.
Purification of the soul through obedience to the Word results
in a moment-by-moment control of every faculty. Its result is
seen in a hundred daily acts of self-denial which one never
brags about. Right actions within the walls of our own homes
will be the result. It means a person will take time out to show
the members of his own home that he cares. He will speak
just as kindly and politely at home to his loved ones as he does.
to church members on Sabbath morning. He will treat his
enemy as kindly as he treats those who love him. The habit
of obeying the truth matures this kind of love.
What is the first fruit of the Spirit? Gal. 5:22.
How are love and politeness related?
"The Lord purifies the heart very much as we air a room.
We do not close the doors and windows, and throw in some
purifying substance; but we open the doors and throw wide
the windows, and let heaven's purifying atmosphere flow in.
The Lord says, 'He that doeth truth cometh to the light.' The
windows of impulse, of feeling, must be opened up toward
heaven, and the dust of selfishness and earthliness must be
expelled. The grace of God must sweep through the chambers
of the mind, the imagination must have heavenly themes for
contemplation, and every element of the nature must be puri-
fied and vitalized by the Spirit of God."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 940.
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages,
Bk. 2, pp. 19-21;
Testimonies,
Vol. 5, pp.
471, 472.
35
3-AQT. 2-73
Rebirth and Growth
LESSON 4
Monday
April
23
Part 2
BASIS OF THE
NEW BIRTH
1 Peter 1:23
What does Peter mean by the two kinds of seed?
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorrupt-
ible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."
On the subject of the new birth Peter notes (1) how it is
not accomplished, (2) how it is accomplished, and (3) the
eternal quality of that which produces the new birth.
Natural birth results from human action. It comes from "the -
will of the flesh," and "the will of man." John 1:13. All human
beings, even those born of the best parentage, are "perish-
able." 1 Peter 1:23, RSV. Spiritual rebirth results from divine
action. The "incorruptible" or "imperishable" seed which pro-
duces the new birth is the Word of God. Can the Bible of itself
change a man's heart? Is it the printed pages of the Bible or
the Person which the printed pages talk about which changes
a man? Christ, the Word made flesh, is the source of change.
Yet it is through the Bible that man obtains a knowledge of
God. It is believing this word that brings a man into fellowship
with the Divine.
Only this rebirth through a divine agency can make it pos-
sible that a person shall not perish. See John 3:16. It is Jesus
who gives an eternal quality to the Word. It is Jesus who "ever
liveth to make intercession" for us. Heb. 7:25.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is my relation to the Word of God, which alone can
accomplish my new birth?
"When truth becomes an abiding principle in the life, the
soul is 'born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible,
by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.' This new
birth is the result of receiving Christ as the Word of God. When
by the Holy Spirit divine truths are impressed upon the heart,
new conceptions are awakened, and the energies hitherto dor-
mant are aroused to co-operate with God.
"Thus it had been with Peter and his fellow disciples. Christ
was the revealer of truth to the world. By Him the incorruptible
seed—the word of God—was sown in the hearts of men. But
many of the most precious lessons of the Great Teacher were
spoken to those who did not then understand them. When, after
His ascension, the Holy Spirit brought His teachings to the
remembrance of the disciples, their slumbering senses awoke.
The meaning of these truths flashed upon their minds as a new
revelation, and truth, pure and unadulterated, made a place for
itself. Then the wonderful experience of His life became theirs.
The Word bore testimony through them, the men of His ap-
pointment, and they proclaimed the mighty truth, 'The Word
was made flesh, and dwelt among us, . . . full of grace and
truth.' And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for
grace.' John 1:14, 16."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 520,
521.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pages 167-177.
36
Rebirth and Growth
LESSON 4
Tuesday
April 24
Part 3
THE IMPERMA-
NENCE OF MAN
1 Peter 1:24
Distinguish between the meaning of the grass and the mean-
ing of the flower in verse 24.
"For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the
flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof
falleth away."
In the preceding verse Peter referred to perishable and im-
perishable seed, or as the NEB states, mortal or immortal par-
entage. This verse (24) shows how utterly perishable one is
who is born merely of mortal parentage. He is only grass. What
is more impermanent than grass? In the summer heat of the
area of ancient Palestine grass quickly dries up and turns
brown.
Life is extremely transitory and frail. Whether young or old,
none can count on another hour of life. Life is just begun when
death's grim hand leads us to the pit. This is true even of those
who live the longest. Where is boasting then? Where is pride?
Man's wisdom, strength, riches, and honor all fade at a mo-
ment's notice.
When Peter quoted these words, emperors were regarded as
divinities. Human power was idolized. In the midst of this ele-
vation of man a handful of uninfluential, untrained preachers
led a group of followers from the common walks of life. What
was the central theme of their teaching? A God who was cru-
cified, but who was resurrected and now lives forever.
THINK IT THROUGH
What decisions and actions in my life show that I am con-
scious of the frailty of life? What indications are there that I
take life for granted?
"Truths, precious, vital truths, are bound up with man's eter-
nal well-being both in this life and in the eternity that is open-
ing before us. 'Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is
truth.' John 17:17. The word of God is to be practiced. It will
live and endure forever. While worldly ambitions, worldly proj-
ects, and the greatest plans and purposes of men will perish
like the grass, 'they that be wise shall shine as the brightness
of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as
the stars for ever and ever.' Daniel
12:3"—Testimonies,
Vol. 7,
p. 249.
"Worldly, ambitious statesmen are represented in the word
of God as the grass that groweth up and as the flower of the
grass that fadeth. Yet the Lord desires to have in His service
intelligent men, men qualified for various lines of work. There
is need of businessmen who will weave the grand principles
of truth into all their transactions. And their talents should be
perfected by most thorough study and training. If men in any
line of work need to improve their opportunities to become wise
and efficient, it is those who are using their ability in building
up the kingdom of God in our
world."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 350, 351.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
Chap. 25, "Talents—Strength,"
pages 350, 351.
37
3-AOT. 2-73
Rebirth and Growth
LESSON 4
Wednesday
April 25
Part 4
THE ENDURING
WORD
1 Peter 1:25
THINK IT THROUGH
"But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the
word which by the gospel is preached unto you."
In contrast with the ephemeral human existence is the ever-
lasting word of God by which the Christian has been born
anew. As a result of birth by the word, the Christian receives
eternal life. What hope the believer has—what confidence!
Nothing could be more secure than the word of God which
"endureth for ever." As long as God exists, His word will
exist, for His word is His character in written form. Compare
John 1:1, 14.
How had the word of the Lord reached the believers to whom
Peter was writing? Verse 25.
The word of the Lord comes to the world in the form of the
gospel. This is His word adapted for sinners. The Bible, the
Written Word, can be studied in other ways than as gospel, but
only when it is studied as gospel, as God's good news for
sinners, will it accomplish new birth.
It was by the Written Word that Christ overcame Satan. Matt.
4:4. He also declared, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but
my words shall not pass away." Matt. 24:35. "The words that
I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:63.
"The creative energy that called the worlds into existence is
in the word of God. This word imparts power; it begets life.
Every command is a promise; accepted by the will, received
into the soul, it brings with it the life of the Infinite One. It trans-
forms the nature and re-creates the soul in the image of God."
—Education,
page 126.
What experiences have I had that show the power of this
Word in my own personal life?
"In our day, as of old, the vital truths of God's word are set
aside for human theories and speculations. . . . Its divine au-
thenticity is destroyed. Thus the seeds of infidelity are sown
broadcast; for the people become confused and know not what
to believe. There are many beliefs that the mind has no right
to entertain. In the days of Christ the rabbis put a forced, mys-
tical construction upon many portions of Scripture. Because
the plain teaching of God's word condemned their practices,
they tried to destroy its force. The same thing is done today.
The word of God is made to appear mysterious and obscure in
order to excuse transgression of His law. Christ rebuked these
practices in His day. He taught that the word of God was to be
understood by all. He pointed to the Scriptures as of unques-
tionable authority, and we should do the same. The Bible is to
be presented as the word of the infinite God, as the end of all
controversy and the foundation of all
faith."—Christ's Object
Lessons,
pages 33, 40.
The Great Controversy,
page 288;
Education,
pages 183,
184.
FURTHER STUDY
38
Rebirth and Growth
LESSON 4
Thursday
April
26
Part 5
What is the significance of the word "wherefore" in verse 1?
THE FEARFUL FIVE
"Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypoc-
1 Peter 2:1
risies, and envies, and all evil speakings."
Peter lists five evils that must be laid aside. Those who have
experienced the new birth will put away these sins.
"Laying aside" is a decisive renouncement, a "stripping off"
of not only these five sins but any and all sin! The man who is
truly repentant and converted will make a complete about face
in his life.
"Malice" refers to evil and sin in a general sense. Compare
"naughtiness," James 1:21. It is "the vicious nature which is
bent on doing harm to others."—J. B. Lightfoot. Those who are
free from malice never rejoice in the misfortunes of others.
"'Guile' is the translation of a word which in its verb form
means 'to catch with bait,' and in the noun which Peter uses
means 'craftiness.' "—Kenneth S. Wuest,
First Peter in the
Greek New Testament,
page 50.
"Hypocrisies." This was discussed under 1 Peter 1:22. The
Christian is not an actor. He does not operate behind a false.
face or mask. He is for real! Everything he does is open and
aboveboard.
"Envies." 1 Cor. 13 is the testimony of the true Christian. He
is not jealous. He refuses to run down others.
"All evil speakings." See 2 Cor. 12:20. The true Christian
does not slander, defame, ridicule, or murder by words. He is
careful with his words. It is interesting to note that in Matt.
12:31, 32, Christ talks about the sin against the Holy Spirit and
immediately presents the concept that what,a man is in his
heart he speaks with his tongue.
THINK IT THROUGH
Are any of these five traits in my life?
"Cease to dwell upon the shortcomings of others. Keep the
tongue sanctified unto God. Refrain from saying anything that
might detract from the influence of another; for by indulging
in these words of criticism, you blaspheme God's holy name
as verily as you would were you to swear. . . .
"We need especially to guard against having a tongue that
is sanctified to Satan. The tongue that God has given is to be
used to glorify Him in speech. Unless it is, we shall be standing
directly in the way of God's work in this world, and the judg-
ments of heaven will surely fall upon us."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 5, p. 1093.
FURTHER STUDY
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 3, p. 1159;
Testimonies,
Vol.
5, pp. 57-59.
39
Rebirth and Growth
LESSON 4
Friday
April 27
Part 6
FOOD FOR SPIR-
ITUAL GROWTH
1 Peter 2:2, 3
THINK IT THROUGH
Compare the content of the old life described in verse 1 -
with the desire of the reborn person in verse 2.
"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that
ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is
gracious."
An infant's most obvious need is nourishment. How deter-
mined and anxious babies are for food! How they welcome
feeding time! So with the reborn Christian. He longs for spir-
itual food.
"Sincere milk"—"unadulterated spiritual milk," Phillips. No
dilutants should be added to the spiritual milk which is the
Word of God. God's children thrive on the pure Word. It is rich
nourishment for growing Christians.
Appetite for the Word comes by tasting and seeing that the
Lord is good. Verse 3. "0 taste and see that the Lord is good:
blessed is the man that trusteth in him." Ps. 34:8.
It is quite impossible really to desire and enjoy the Word
of God while maintaining habits of sin. When a person's
heart is set upon serving Christ and he is determined to lay
aside the evils described in verse 1, then he enjoys spiritual
food. The pleasures of this world—and they are pleasures for
a season—constitute the poisonous delicacies of the devil. His
sugar-coated evils destroy the appetite for the Word. Those who
elect to carry the cross of Christ find delight in feeding on the
Word.
How much time do I spend daily in studying the Word of
God?
"If as newborn babes you desire the sincere milk of the
word, that you may grow thereby, you will have no appetite to
partake of a dish of evil speaking, but all such food will be at
once rejected, because those who have tasted that the Lord is
gracious cannot partake of the dish of nonsense, and folly, and
backbiting. They will say decidedly, 'Take this dish away. I do
not want to eat such food. It is not the bread from heaven. It is
eating and drinking the very spirit of the devil; for it is his busi-
ness to be an accuser of the brethren.'
"It is best for every soul to closely investigate what mental
food is served up for him to eat. When those come to you who
live to talk, and who are all armed and equipped to say, 'Report,
and we will report it,' stop and think if the conversation will
give spiritual help, spiritual efficiency, that in spiritual commu-
nication you may eat of the flesh and drink the blood of the Son
of
God."—Fundamentals of Christian Education,
page 458.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 273;
Testimonies,
Vol. 8, p. 193;
Coun-
sels to Teachers,
page 395.
40
A CHOSEN PEOPLE
LESSON 5
April 29 to May 5
"Wherefore also it is contained in the
scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief
corner stone, elect, precious: and he that
believeth on him shall not be con-
founded." 1 Peter 2:6.
Peter abruptly changes from looking
at the Christian life as a birth and
growth to illustrating it as a temple. The
birth and growth emphasized the new
life and development of the individual
Christian, but the temple calls attention
to the community of Christians. The re-
born Christian is more than an individ-
ual serving God; he belongs to a group
that has Christ as its cornerstone. This is
a call to Christians to think of them-
selves as belonging to a new spiritual
order.
The terms that Peter uses in this pas-
sage clearly show that he is attributing
to Christians the prerogatives that pre-
viously belonged to the Jews. Through
the inspired eyes of Peter, the Christian
church is no longer a sect of Judaism.
It has replaced the parent body as the
chosen people because they stumbled
through unbelief in Jesus. This privilege
of being the chosen people is for a
definite purpose and is not an end in
itself. They are to let the world know
about God.
41
A Chosen People
LESSON 5
Sunday
April
29
"To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed
of men, but chosen of God, and precious."
The form of the Greek word for coming indicates "a close
. and a habitual . . . approach and an intimate association."
—Vincent,
Word Studies in the New Testament.
Just as a child
comes repeatedly to his mother for food, so the Christian is
to come repeatedly to the Lord for food for his soul. But sur-
prisingly Peter changes, at this point, from milk to rock for his
illustration. Since he calls this rock a living one, this may not
be as drastic a change of figure as at first appears. In the
experience of Israel, water came out of the rock; Moses
speaks, in a song, about the rock that gave honey and oil
(Deut. 32:13), and even speaks of the Rock that begat Israel
(Deut. 32:18). So there is Biblical usage of a rock that gives
birth and sustains life even as Peter has, in 1 Peter 1:23-2:3,
regarded the Word as the instrument of rebirth and infant sus-
tenance.
What meaning does Paul give to the word "rock"? 1 Cor.
10:4.
"From very early times the figure of a rock was used by the
Hebrew people as a specific term for God (see on Deut. 32:4;
Ps. 18:2; etc.). The prophet Isaiah speaks of Christ as 'a great
rock in a weary land' (see on ch. 32:2), and as 'a precious cor-
ner stone, a sure foundation' (see on ch. 28:16). . . .
"Jesus Christ is the 'rock of our salvation' (Ps. 95:1; cf. Deut.
32:4, 15, 18; DA 413). He alone is the foundation of the church,
for 'other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which
is Jesus Christ' (1 Cor. 3:11), 'neither is there salvation in any
other' (Acts 4:12)."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Matt. 16:18.
"Disallowed.
Gr.
apodokimaz5,
'to reject after testing,' be-
cause of a failure to measure up to specifications. Men looked
upon Christ, examined Him, and considered Him lacking in the
qualities they desired in the Messiah, and therefore rejected
Him as the Saviour. The Jewish nation made that decision, as
many individuals of many nations have since that time (cf. Acts
4:11).
"Chosen of God.
Gr.
eklektos
(see on ch. 1:2). Although
men in general repudiated Christ, God recognized Him as ful-
filling all the requirements for being man's sinless substitute."
—SDA Bible Commentary,
on 1 Peter 2:4.
Part 1
THE LIVING
STONE
1 Peter 2:4
THINK IT THROUGH
How consistently do I depend on Jesus Christ for spiritual
strength?
"Upon this living stone, Jews and Gentiles alike may build.
This is the only foundation upon which we may securely build.
It is broad enough for all, and strong enough to sustain the
weight and burden of the whole world. And by connection with
Christ, the living stone, all who build upon this foundation be-
come living stones."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 599.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
page 599.
42
A Chosen People
LESSON 5
Monday
April 30
Part 2
THE LIVING STONES
1 Peter 2:5, RSV
THINK IT THROUGH
"And like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual
house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices ac-
ceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
Peter here calls the believers living stones, just as he did
Christ. The believers are to be like Jesus, and the living stones
are to be both temple and priests. The spiritual house is an
allusion to the temple, as indicated by reference to priests. The
temple was God's dwelling place among men; so the idea of
a spiritual house is that God dwells in believers. The priests
were those who performed the services of the temple. If the
persons are the temple in whom God dwells, who else but the
same persons can perform the services of the temple? The
temple represents God in man, and the priest represents man
reaching out to God. Thus the spiritual sacrifices are all those
acts of the Christian life by which man seeks to do God's will
and come into a close relation to Him. But all of this priestly
service of the believer is acceptable to God through Jesus
Christ alone.
"The religious services, the prayers, the praise, the penitent
confession of sin ascend from true believers as incense to the
heavenly sanctuary, but passing through the corrupt channels
of humanity, they are so defiled that unless purified by blood,
they can never be of value with God. They ascend not in spot-
less purity, and unless the Intercessor, who is at God's right
hand, presents and purifies all by His righteousness, it is not
acceptable to God. . . .
"Oh, that all may see that everything in obedience, in peni-
tence, in praise and thanksgiving, must be placed upon the
glowing fire of the righteousness of Christ. The fragrance of
this righteousness ascends like a cloud around the mercy
seat."—Selected
Messages,
Bk. 1, p. 344.
The idea of
a living
stone was interpreted by Ellen G. White
as a stone that emits light. (See quote at bottom of page.) If
we give this meaning to verses 4 and 5, then the living stone
is a building stone of gem quality.
In my own experience what can make me a living, lighted
"stone"?
"How amazed is heaven at the present Condition of the
church that could be so much to the world if every stone were
in its proper place, a living stone to emit light! A stone that does
not shine is worthless. That which constitutes the value of our
churches is not dead, lusterless stones, but living stones, stones
that catch the bright beams from the Chief Cornerstone, even
the Sun of Righteousness—the bright glory in which are com-
bined the beams of mercy and truth that have met together, of
righteousness and peace that have kissed each other."—Ellen
G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1116.
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 595-599;
Evangelism,
page
573.
43
A Chosen People
LESSON 5
Tuesday
May 1
Part 3
A BASIS FOR
BELIEF
1 Peter 2:6
"Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I
lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that
believeth on him shall not be confounded."
In the illustration of rebirth and milk Peter emphasized the
divine source of spiritual life. In verse 6 the emphasis is on
man's belief in Jesus Christ. The "wherefore" in verse 6 re-
lates back to the expression "to whom coming" in verse 4.
That is, a reason for coming to the Stone is now given—to
avoid being confounded. The word translated "confounded" is
often used in the Bible to describe the experience of guilty
people when they are brought under God's judgment. The one
who keeps coming to the Stone, believing in Him will never be
confounded or ashamed (RSV) in God's judgment.
Not only is Christ a living stone and the Chief Cornerstone
but He is "elect." Before the world began, Christ was selected
as the foundation stone of the church. As the pearl of great
price He is "precious." He is beyond all price. The altogether
lovely One, the fairest of ten thousand. Nothing can compare
with Him in beauty, grace, dignity, and power. This is the sec-
ond time in this chapter that Peter uses the word "precious."
See verse 4.
Grasp the concept that God dwells not in any house built
by man, but in the living structure of surrendered people. Once
we were dead as stones, but now through the living Stone we
become "lively stones."
What about those who refuse to become a part of this living
building? Those who build outside of Christ are part of another
tower of Babel. They shall be confounded—"disgraced," "put
to shame." Their building will not last.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can I experience a constant grateful appreciation for
Jesus?
"The Lord will not accept a heartless service, a round of
ceremonies that are really Christless. His children must be
lively stones in God's building. If all would give themselves
unreservedly to God, if they would cease to study and plan for
their amusement, for excursions, and pleasure-loving associa-
tions, and would study the words, 'Ye are not your own; for
ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body,
and in your spirit, which are God's,' they would never hunger
or thirst for excitement or change. If it is for our true interest
to be spiritual and if the salvation of our people depends on
our being riveted on the Eternal Rock, would we not better be
engaged in seeking for that which will hold the whole building
to the chief corner stone, that we may not be confused and
confounded in our
faith."—Fundamentals of Christian Educa-
tion,
pages 461, 462.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
page 210;
Fundamentals of Christian
Education,
pages 461, 462.
44
A Chosen People
LESSON 5
Wednesday
May 2
Part 4
STONE OF
STUMBLING
OR SUCCESS
1 Peter 2:1
"Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto
them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders dis-
allowed, the same is made the head of the corner."
"He is precious." Peter makes a comparison between the
believers and unbelievers. It is a practical, living, day-by-day
faith that leads the believer to see the true value of the Stone.
An attitude of faith which considers Christ "precious," is not
a natural attitude. Sinful man cannot appreciate Christ and His
matchless qualities. It takes spiritual eyesight to discern the
value of Christ. This requires the daily presence of the Holy
Spirit in the human heart. Believing in Jesus is not a one-time
act, but a continuous attitude deliberately maintained.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can I grow in admiration for Jesus Christ?
"In quoting the prophecy of the rejected stone, Christ re-
ferred to an actual occurrence in the history of Israel. The in-
cident was connected with the building of the first temple. While
it had a special application at the time of Christ's first advent,
and should have appealed with special force to the Jews, it
has also a lesson for us. When the temple of Solomon was
erected, the immense stones for the walls and the foundation
were entirely prepared at the quarry; after they were brought
'to the place of building, not an instrument was to be used
upon them; the workmen had only to place them in position.
For use in the foundation, one stone of unusual size and pecu-
liar shape had been brought; but the workmen could find no
place for it, and would not accept it. It was an annoyance to
them as it lay unused in their way. Long it remained a rejected
stone. But when the builders came to the laying of the corner,
they searched for a long time to find a stone of sufficient size
and strength, and of the proper shape, to take that particular
place, and bear the great weight which would rest upon it.
Should they make an unwise choice for this important place,
the safety of the entire building would be endangered. They
must find a stone capable of resisting the influence of the sun,
of frost, and of tempest. Several stones had at different times
been chosen, but under the pressure of immense weights they
had crumbled to pieces. Others could not bear the test of the
sudden atmospheric changes. But at last attention was called
to the stone so long rejected. It had been exposed to the air, to
sun and storm, without revealing the slightest crack. The
builders examined the stone. It had borne every test but one.
If it could bear the test of severe pressure, they decided to
accept it for the cornerstone. The trial was made. The stone
was accepted, brought to its assigned position, and found to
be an exact fit."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 597, 598.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
page 600.
45
A Chosen People
LESSON 5
Thursday
May 3
Part 5
STUMBLING OR
SUBMITTING
1 Peter 2:8
"And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to
them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: where unto
also they were appointed."
What is this stone of stumbling? What is this rock of offense?
Is it possible that Christ could be a stone of stumbling and a
rock of offense? If so, how? Isn't the gospel the glorious good
news of life, salvation from sin, and the promise of an eternal
heaven as home? True, but there is one ingredient necessary
for the saved. It is a constant attitude of self-surrender. Other-
wise, a person, a group, or a nation will hopelessly dash against
this rock of offense. Christ is a rock of offense only because a
person makes Him that. We stumble at His Word only because
we refuse to submit to it. It is a question of stumbling or sub-
mitting. How many poor souls wander in darkness and plunge
down precipices simply because of a rebellious attitude! It is
a lamentable fact that the world's majority pay more attention
to warning signs on highways than to warning messages in the
Word.
"Being disobedient." The test of faith is obedience. This
principle hasn't changed since Eden. It all depends on how a
person relates himself to the Stone. The Stone has already
related Himself to us through the supreme sacrifice on Calvary.
"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that be-
lieveth not is condemned already." John 3:18.
"Whereunto also they were appointed." The Scriptures do
not teach that some are arbitrarily appointed unto disobedience,
but rather the ones who choose to disobey, stumble.
THINK IT THROUGH
What can prevent my stumbling on Christ's self-denying
example?
"All men, women, and youth are appointed to do a certain
work. But some stumble at the word of truth. It does not harmo-
nize with their inclinations, and therefore they refuse to be
doers of the word. They will not wear Christ's yoke of perfect
obedience to the law of God. They look upon this yoke as a
burden, and Satan tells them that if they will break away from
it, they will become as gods. No one shall rule them or dictate
to them; they will
be
able to do as they please, and have all
the liberty they desire. True, they have been oppressed and
cramped in every way in their religious life, but that religious
life was a farce. They were appointed to be co-laborers with
Jesus Christ, and yoking up with Christ was their only chance
for perfect rest and freedom. Had they done this, they would
never have been
confounded."—Fundamentals of Christian
Education,
page 462.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 608, 609.
46
A Chosen People
LESSON 5
Friday
May 4
Part 6
CHRISTIAN
RESPONSIBILITY
1 Peter 2:9, 10
To whom is Peter referring as a "chosen generation"?
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy
nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises
of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous
light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the
people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have
obtained mercy."
Those who stumbled over the Stone had been a chosen peo-
ple, but Peter now addresses those who believe on Christ as the
chosen ones. True Christians are the new Israel. They have the
temple (verse 5), the priesthood (verse 5), the promised Mes-
siah (verses 6-8), and the specific designation of "God's own
people" (verse 9, RSV). All of this is not for the glory of the new
Israel or for their self-esteem.
What is the specific purpose for which they have been
chosen? Verse
9.
With privilege must always go responsibility, or privilege will
deteriorate into self-centeredness. The new Israel is appointed
to service. Its people are to communicate to the world what
God has done for them. They were "nobodies" but have be-
come "God's own people."
Just as the Jews had been called out for the particular work
of glorifying God before humanity, so Christians today have
this same extraordinary call to service.
The phrase "a peculiar people" should not be confused with
oddness or eccentricity. The idea is that they belong especially
to God.
THINK IT THROUGH
What responsibilities are peculiarly mine because I belong
peculiarly to God?
"As we read the word of God, how plain it appears that His
people are to be peculiar and distinct from the unbelieving
world around them. Our position is interesting and fearful; liv-
ing in the last days, how important that we imitate the example
of Christ, and walk even as He walked. 'If any man will come
after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and
follow Me.' The opinions and wisdom of men must not guide
or govern us. They always lead away from the cross. The ser-
vants of Christ have neither their home nor their treasure here.
Would that all of them could understand that it is only because
the Lord reigns that we are even permitted to dwell in peace
and safety among our enemies. It is not our privilege to claim
special favors of the world. We must consent to be poor and
despised among men, until the warfare is finished and the vic-
tory won. The members of Christ are called to come out and
be separate from the friendship and spirit of the world; their
strength and power consists in being chosen and accepted of
God."—Testimonies,
Vol. 1, p. 286.
FURTHER STUDY
Counsels to Teachers,
pages 37, 38.
47
LESSON 6
May 6-12
GOOD CONDUCT:
AS CITIZENS
"For so is the will of God, that with
well doing ye may put to silence the ig-
norance of foolish men." 1 Peter 2:15.
Peter now begins a line of thought
which contains both general and par-
ticular exhortation related to the Chris-
tian's behavior in society. He discusses
the evils which battle against a man's
soul. Although a person may be a new
creature in Christ, he still has the old
nature and the old surroundings to con-
tend with. The war against the soul
rages more fiercely when a man be-
comes a Christian. Peter emphasizes
the need of rightly influencing the non-
Christians about him through proper
conduct. He then enters into a discus-
sion of a Christian's relationship to civil
authorities. Politics and political issues
are nothing new to Christians.
In this week's lesson Peter changes
48
the emphasis from the doctrinal to the
practical. After laying a strong founda-
tion for the theory of gospel truth he
now begins erecting the superstructure
which deals with practical godliness.
This is clearly a transitional point. After
all, what good is doctrine unless there
is personal application? Doctrine with-
out application is like a skeleton without
flesh. Cold theory, destitute of practical
application in the daily life, renders
Christianity impotent.
The article entitled "A Peculiar
People" which appears at the end of
this lesson was written by Ellen G.
White for the
Review and Herald,
Nov. 18, 1890. It is reprinted here
for reading in conjunction with this
week's lesson.
Good Conduct: As Citizens
LESSON 6
Sunday
May 6
Part 1
THE WAR AGAINST
THE SOUL
1 Peter 2:11, RSV
THINK IT THROUGH
"Beloved, I beseech you as aliens and exiles to abstain from
the passions of the flesh that wage war against your soul."
The Christian's first and greatest difficulty is with himself.
Thus Peter concentrates on the heart of all problems—the heart
of man! All wrong actions can be traced to wrong thinking.
Wrong thinking leads to wrong desires. Lust is the desire of a
person to please himself. This attitude, if yielded to, leads one
to the performance of destructive outward acts. Even the in-
dulgence in an excess of something good is harmful.
Peter addresses the Christians as "strangers and pilgrims."
They do not belong to this world, although they live in it. They
are citizens of a "holy nation."
Why does Peter warn against fleshly lusts? Verse 11.
"Let none who profess godliness regard with indifference
the health of the body, and flatter themselves that intemperance
is no sin and will not affect their spirituality. A close sympathy
exists between the physical and the moral nature.... Any habit
which does not promote healthful action in the human system
degrades the higher and nobler faculties. Wrong habits of eat-
ing and drinking lead to errors in thought and action. Indul-
gence of appetite strengthens the animal propensities, giving
them the ascendancy over the mental and spiritual powers."—
Counsels on Health,
page 67.
Death to self is the only way to win this war. Paul puts it
plainly in Gal. 5:24: "They that are Christ's have crucified the
flesh with the affections and lusts." Many never come to this
point of crucifixion. They try to hold on to God and the lusts
of the flesh at the same time. Life becomes a monotonous series
of yieldings and repentings. There is need of a fierce determi-
nation to cling to Christ for victory as Jacob wrestled with the
angel.
What steps am I taking, with God's help, to gain victories
over self?
"All habits of indulgence that weaken the physical powers,
that becloud the mind, or that benumb the spiritual percep-
tions, are 'fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.' 1 Peter 2:11.
" 'And the lusts of other things.' These are not necessarily
things sinful in themselves, but something that is made first
instead of the kingdom of God. Whatever attracts the mind from
God, whatever draws the affections away from Christ, is an
enemy to the
soul."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 53.
"Every sinful gratification tends to benumb the faculties and
deaden the mental and spiritual perceptions, and the word or
the Spirit of God can make but a feeble impression upon the
heart."—The
Great Controversy,
page 474.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 2,
pp.
400-402;
Counsels on Diet and Foods,
pages 399, 400.
49
Good Conduct: As Citizens
LESSON 6
Monday
May 7
Part 2
THE POWER OF
INFLUENCE
1 Peter 2:12, RSV
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
50
What reason does Peter give for good conduct in verse 12?"
"Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that in case,
they speak against you as wrongdoers, they may see your good
deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
The behavior of a Christian in a secular society provides evi-
dence to his unsaved neighbors of the gospel's excellence.
"Speak against you as wrongdoers." Christians in the early
church were accused of the most monstrous deeds. "Suetonius,
in his life of Nero (chap. xvi.), calls the Christians by the very
name St. Peter uses: 'the Christians, a kind of men of a new
and malefic superstition.' Only about forty years later, we
have Pliny's famous letter to Trajan, . . . asking whether it is'
the profession of being a Christian which is itself to be punished,
or 'the crimes which attach to that profession.'
"—The Preach-
er's Homiletic Commentary,
on 1 Peter, page 72. Many were
cruelly punished, tortured, and even put to death because of
these false accusations. Peter's appeal is for Christians to live
such lives that even their persecutors will be impressed by
their deportment. In this manner "was Justin Martyr won to
the side of Christianity: [He said,] 'When I heard the Christians
accused and saw them fearless of death and of everything else
that is counted fearful, I was sure they could not be living in
wickedness and in the love of pleasures' (2 Apol. xii.)."—The
Expositor's Bible,
Vol. 6, p. 698.
The Seventh-day Adventist Christian is under daily surveil-
lance. He is not only watched for the good he does, but for the
mistakes he makes and for his inconsistencies.
A continuous, consistent display of Christlike traits of char-
acter will have its effect on someone, somewhere, sometime.
"The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and
lovable Christian."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 470.
Am I living, by God's grace, such a life of consistent obe-
dience to His will that even if someone falsely accused me,
there would be those who would refuse to believe evil of me?
"We must expect to meet unbelief and opposition. The truth
has always had to meet these elements. But though you should
meet the bitterest opposition, do not denounce your opponents.
They may think, as did Paul, that they are doing God's service,
and to such we must manifest patience, meekness, and long-
suffering.
"Let us not feel that we have heavy trials to bear, severe
conflicts to endure, in representing unpopular truth. Think of
Jesus and what He has suffered for you, and be silent. Even
when abused and falsely accused, make no complaint; speak
no word of murmuring; let no thought of reproach or discontent
enter your mind. Take a straightforward course, 'having your
conversation honest among the Gentiles.'
"—Testimonies,
Vol.
6, p. 120.
Gospel Workers,
pages 372, 373.
Good Conduct: As Citizens
LESSON 6
Tuesday
May 8
Part 3
SUBMISSION TO
AUTHORITY
1 Peter 2:13, 14
THINK IT THROUGH
"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's
sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors,
as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil-
doers, and for the praise of them that do well."
Peter now begins to spell out the ways in which the Chris-
tian should maintain good conduct. He uses a key word which
is basic to an understanding of Christianity—"submit." Submis-
sion or self-surrender in the home, community, church, govern-
ment, or business has its rewards.
Since Peter follows the phrase "to every ordinance of man"
with mention of the king and governors, it is clear he refers to
the government. Regardless of the type of government, the
Christian has a responsibility to be subject to it. If this counsel
was given to Christians living under the corrupt rulers of Rome,
surely the same course is applicable today. Governments are
the powers "ordained of God." Rom. 13:1. Whether it be the
city, the county, the state, or the national government, the
attitude towards it should be one of respect. The only occa-
sion for exception to this attitude is when there is a conflict
between the law of the government and the law of God.
"The banner of truth and religious liberty held aloft by the
founders of the gospel church and by God's witnesses during
the centuries that have passed since then, has, in this last con-
flict, been committed to our hands. The responsibility for this
great gift rests with those whom God has blessed with a knowl-
edge of His word. We are to receive this word as supreme
authority. We are to recognize human government as an ordi-
nance of divine appointment, and teach obedience to it as a
sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims
conflict with the claims of God, we must obey God rather than
men. God's word must be recognized as above all human leg-
islation. A 'Thus saith the Lord' is not to be set aside for a
'Thus saith the church' or a 'Thus saith the state.' The crown
of Christ is to be lifted above the diadems of earthly poten-
tates."—Gospel
Workers,
pages 389, 390.
Are there ways in which I do not submit to the government
in matters that are not contrary to God's law?
"We are not required to defy authorities. Our words, whether
spoken or written, should be carefully considered, lest we place
ourselves on record as uttering that which would make us
appear antagonistic to law and order. We are not to say or do
anything that would unnecessarily close up our way. We are
to go forward in Christ's name, advocating the truths com-
mitted to us. If we are forbidden by men to do this work, then
we may say, as did the apostles, 'Whether it be right in the
sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge
ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and
heard.'
"—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 69.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 6, pp. 394, 395.
51
Good Conduct: As Citizens
LESSON 6
Wednesday
May
9
Part 4
SAFETY IN GOOD
CITIZENSHIP
1 Peter 2:15
What was one reason for Christians of Asia Minor to be
obedient to government?
"For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put
to silence the ignorance of foolish men."
Peter here states in relation to government what he pre-
viously said in verse 12 about the reason for good conduct.
The Christian is to obey the government so that there can be
no evidence for accusations of wrongdoing that may be brought
against him. A small infraction of the law by a Christian could
lend credence to the false accusations of criminal conduct
made by their enemies. This is not the only reason for the
Christian to obey the law, but for Christians living in a society
which is hostile toward them it is certainly a crucial point.
"Those who honor the Bible Sabbath will be denounced as
enemies of law and order, as breaking down the moral restraints
of society, causing anarchy and corruption, and calling down
the judgments of God upon the earth. Their conscientious
scruples will be pronounced obstinacy, stubbornness, and con-
tempt of authority. They will be accused of disaffection toward
the government. Ministers who deny the obligation of the divine
law will present from the pulpit the duty of yielding obedience
to the civil authorities as ordained of God. In legislative halls
and courts of justice, commandment keepers will be misrepre-
sented and condemned. A false coloring will be given to their
words; the worst construction will be put upon their motives."
—The Great Controversy,
page 592.
"We should remember that the world will judge us by what
we appear to be. Let those who are seeking to represent Christ
be careful not to exhibit inconsistent features of character."—
Testimonies,
Vol. 6, p. 397.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is there in my conduct now that could be used as an
accusation against me'and my fellow believers in the last crisis?
"We should not work in a manner that will mark us out as
seeming to advocate treason. We should weed out from our
writings and utterances every expression that, taken by itself,
could be so misrepresented as to make it appear antagonistic
to law and order. Everything should be carefully considered,
lest we place ourselves on record as encouraging disloyalty
to our country and its laws. . . . There will come a time when,
because of our advocacy of Bible truth, we shall be treated
as traitors; but let not this time be hastened by unadvised
movements that stir up animosity and
strife."—Testimonies,
Vol. 6, p. 394.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 6, pp. 396, 397.
52
Good Conduct: As Citizens
LESSON 6
Thursday
May 10
Part 5
HOW SHOULD
WE USE LIBERTY?
1 Peter 2:16
What consideration is to determine how a Christian uses his
freedom?
"As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of malicious-
ness, but as the servants of God."
"As free.
That is, act as free men. The Christian submits to
authority (v._13), not as a servile, unthinking slave, but intelli-
gently and of his own volition, as a free man in Christ Jesus.
"Liberty.
That is, freedom to act as an intelligent being.
"Cloke.
Or, 'cover,' veil,' figuratively, a 'pretext.' The Chris-
tian will not abuse his liberty or take advantage of his reputa-
tion as a law-abiding citizen. Christian freedom does not release
a person in the slightest degree from his accountability, as a
citizen, to duly constituted authority (cf. 1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23)....
"Servants.
Or, 'slaves.' As a servant of God the Christian is
obedient to God. The world has every right to expect him to
live up to his profession, and to conclude that what he does
he does with God's approval. Thus, the good name of God is
at stake in the way a Christian conducts himself. He should
never give men occasion to conclude that God's standard of
conduct is inferior to that commonly accepted by non-Chris-
tians."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on 1 Peter 2:16.
THINK IT THROUGH
What are the personal meanings to me of the ideal of being
a servant of God?
"God desires from all His creatures the service of love—
service that springs from an appreciation of His character. He
takes no pleasure in a forced obedience; and to all He grants
freedom of will, that they may render Him voluntary service.
"So long as all created beings acknowledged the allegiance
of love, there was perfect harmony throughout the universe of
God. It was .the joy of the heavenly host to fulfill the purpose
of their Creator. They delighted in reflecting His glory and
showing forth His praise. And while love to God was supreme,
love for one another was confiding and unselfish. There was
no note of discord to mar the celestial harmonies. But a change
came over this happy state. There was one who perverted the
freedom that God had granted to His creatures. Sin originated
with him who, next to Christ, had been most honored of God
and was highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of
heaven....
"Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections
and allegiance of all created beings, it was his endeavor to
secure their service and loyalty to
himself."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
pages 34, 35.
FURTHER. STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 6, pp. 398, 399.
53
Good Conduct: As Citizens
LESSON 6
Friday
May 11
Part 6
HOW SHOULD WE
TREAT OTHERS?
1 Peter 2:17
What two words describe the relation of the Christian to
other human beings?
"Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour
the king."
Freedom in Christ brings with it the responsibility of four
imperatives listed by Peter. They include honor, love, and fear.
Did you note in this verse the balance between the Christian's
relationship to secular powers and the church?
"Love.
Or, 'keep on loving." The same sense of continuity is
used with 'fear' and 'honour,' stressing the consistency of the
Christian attitude, which puts ignorant men to silence (v. 15)."
—SDA Bible Commentary,
on 1 Peter 2:17.
God sees every man as of value, which is indicated by the
death of Jesus on the cross for all men. The Christian is under
obligation to treat all people, in or out of authority, with dignity,
courtesy, and gentleness. He is to despise no one.
"Propriety of deportment is at all times to be observed;
wherever principle is not compromised, consideration of others
will lead to compliance with accepted customs; but true cour-
tesy requires no sacrifice of principle to conventionality. It
ignores caste. It teaches self-respect, respect for the dignity
of man as man, a regard for every member of the great human
brotherhood."—Education, page 240.
What word does Peter use to distinguish the relation to
God? Verse 17.
"A proper fear of God, in believing His threatenings, works
the peaceable fruits of righteousness, by causing the trembling
soul to flee to Jesus."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible
Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1100.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
54
In what ways should I improve my attitudes toward other
people?
"The Lord Jesus demands our acknowledgment of the rights
of every man. Men's social rights, and their rights as Christians,
are to be taken into consideration. All are to be treated with
refinement and delicacy, as the sons and daughters of God.
"Christianity will make a man a gentleman. Christ was
courteous, even to His persecutors; and His true followers will
manifest the same spirit. Look at Paul when brought before
rulers. His speech before Agrippa is an illustration of true cour-
tesy as well as persuasive eloquence. The gospel does not
encourage the formal politeness current with the world, but the
courtesy that springs from real kindness of heart."—The
Min-
istry of Healing,
pages 489, 490.
The Ministry of Healing,
pages 487-490.
A PECULIAR PEOPLE
By Ellen G. White
The law of God is the only genuine
standard for the measurement of char-
'acter. Christ displayed to the world by
his life and teaching, by his divine char-
acter, what obedience to the law means.
He was man's example; but man cannot
set up a standard for himself. Man is
ignorant of the infinite purity of God, and
without divine enlightenment he cannot
appreciate the holy exactions of the law
of God. While he is ignorant of the un-
compromising character of God's law,
he is unconcerned about his defective,
sinful character. He fears nothing, he
has no disquietude, because he mea-
sures himself by a false standard.
How many cry, "believe, only believe.
Peace, peace," and fail to arouse con-
viction, or to convert men from the error
of their way, because of their superficial
knowledge of the claims of God's law.
Men in this condition make a claim of
perfection, but such perfection is sim-
ply ignorance of imperfection, lack of
perception as to what is required by the
law of Jehovah. The peace that may
come from such self-satisfaction is a
false peace. When the truth comes in
contact with such persons, their peace
is disturbed, and they make it manifest
that they have not the peace of Christ.
The enemy of Christ, who rebelled
against God's law in heaven, has, as a
skilled, trained general, worked with all
his power, bringing out one device after
another, full of deception, to make of
none effect the law of God, the only true
detector of sin, the standard of righ-
teousness. The great mass of mankind
are thoughtless, careless, irreverent, and
they do not concern themselves with
serious thoughts as to the things of
eternal importance. One reason for the
state of carelessness in society is that
the Christian world itself has made void
the law of God. Large numbers claim
sanctification who will not hear to the
binding obligation of the divine precepts.
They are willfully ignorant of the attri-
butes of God, ignorant of the law,
ignorant of what constitutes genuine
religion, and ignorant of their own sinful,
defective characters. If the truth as it is
in Jesus should flash upon their hearts,
they would be constrained to cry out,
"Unclean, unclean." They would, if can-
did, have to repent of their transgression
of God's law; for "by the law is the
knowledge of sin"; they would have to
exercise faith toward our Lord Jesus
Christ, whose blood alone can cleanse
from all sin. Then they would have the
peace of Christ. Righteousness and
peace would meet together in their ex-
perience, and they would be able to
become symmetrical Christians. They
would have the peace that passeth un-
derstanding.
There are many who seem to imagine
that outside observances are sufficient
for salvation; but formalism, rigorous at-
tendance on religious exercises, will fail
to bring the peace of God which passeth
understanding. It is Jesus alone who
can give us peace. He says, "Peace I
leave with you, my peace I give unto
you: not as the world giveth, give I unto
you. Let not your heart be troubled, nei-
ther let it be afraid." The peace of Christ
cannot be disturbed by the presentation
of truth, for it is in harmony with the
spirit of truth.
Those who are self-righteous, who
claim that they are saved, are not always
patterns of piety. We have found that
those who say most concerning their
sanctification, are most opposed to the
principles of God's law. Satan often de-
ludes the mind, and men are led to erect
false standards of their own, whereby
they measure character. They exalt their
own ideas, boast of their attainments, of
their assurance, and place all their con-
fidence in their feelings. They do not
find a foundation for their faith in the
word of God. Many have a fanciful reli-
gion. They talk of God's love, claiming
that he is not severe and exacting, but
long-suffering and lenient; at the same
time, they echo the suggestion of Satan,
"Hath God said, Ye shall not eat of
every tree of the garden? . . . Ye shall
not surely die: for God doth know that
in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes
shall be opened, and ye shall be as
gods, knowing good and evil." It was as
though he had declared that God's
threatening was all a pretense, and man
55
need not be alarmed, for God would not
be so severe and exacting. The very
same reasoning is employed to-day in
the Christian world. When the claims of
the law are presented, men begin to
frame excuses for continuing in disobe-
dience, stating that God will not punish
them for the breaking of his precepts.
But let us think of it soberly. Will God
change his holy law to suit my conve-
nience? Will he sanction sin, and coun-
tenance disobedience? If God had a
character of this kind, we could not
reverence him. His authority could not
be respected. Every transgression of
God's law will be visited with its penalty
upon the transgressor. The wages of sin
is death. God is jealous for the honor
of his law; it is the foundation of his
government in heaven and earth, and it
will stand throughout eternal ages. The
prophet declares, "The soul that sin-
neth, it shall die." Sin is the transgres-
sion of the law. But, again, it is written
for the comfort and salvation of the
penitent: "If we confess our sins, he is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteous-
ness."
"If we say that we have no sin, we
deceive ourselves, and the truth is not
in us." God cannot change his law in
order to save men; he cannot alter it to
save the world; but he has not refused
to give his own Son, that men might
have another probation, and become
heirs of heaven. Jesus took humanity
upon him, and in so doing what honor
he placed upon the race! He suffered
as a man, he was tempted as men are
tempted, yet without sin. He was made
sin for us, though he knew no sin, that
we might be made the righteousness of
God in him. He "gave himself for us,
that he might redeem us from all ini-
quity, and purify unto himself a peculiar
people, zealous of good works."
Let us call to mind what is due to our'
Lord from his professed followers, and
not be deceived by our own hearts. The
truth exerts a purifying, refining influ-
ence upon our characters, that we may
be
sanctified through it; and we must
permit it to work reformation in our life,
if we would bear the title, the "peculiar
people" of God.
The age in which we live is one of
temptation, and if the people of God
stand clear from the corrupting influ-
ences around them, they will be termed
"peculiar," "old-fashioned," and "odd."
But God has declared that he is purify-
ing to himself a peculiar people, zealous
of good works. If the truth is brought into
the character, it will have a sanctifying
power upon the life. But those who claim
to believe the truth, and yet imitate the
world in its practices, and go contrary
to the word of God, manifesting sel-
fishness in their business relations, are
bodies of darkness. They encourage sin,
and are full of hypocrisy. Everything
God's people do should be as trans-
parent as sunlight. Escaping detection
does not justify crime, and make it hon-
esty and righteousness. Temptations are
surrounding us on every side, and our
only safety is in becoming in reality the
peculiar people whom God is cleansing
from all iniquity, redeeming unto himself,
to be to him an everlasting inheritance
in the kingdom of his glory.—Review
and
Herald,
Nov. 18, 1890.
56
GOOD CONDUCT:
AS SERVANTS
LESSON 7
May 13-19
"If we possess the humility of our Master, we shall
rise above the slights, the rebuffs, the annoyances, to
which we are daily exposed, and they will cease to cast
a gloom over the spirit. The highest evidence of no-
bility in a Christian is self-control. He who under
abuse or cruelty fails to maintain a calm and trustful
spirit robs God of His right to reveal in him His own
perfection of character.
"—The Desire of Ages,
p. 301.
"For even hereunto were ye called:
because Christ also suffered for us, leav-
ing us an example, that ye should follow
his steps: who did no sin, neither was
guile found in his mouth." 1 Peter 2:
21, 22.
The verses under consideration for
this week were directly addressed to
servants or slaves. The term "servants"
in the New Testament does not apply to
those who were on salary and free to
come and go as they pleased. These
were individuals whose personal liberty
was lost and they were the property of
a master. The lot of a slave at any time
in history was usually a bitter one. But
for a Christian slave in a totally pagan
society, the difficulties he faced were
nearly unbearable. Yet, a large number
of the early Christian converts were be-
lieved to have belonged to this class. In
view of this it is not surprising that Peter
counsels them with words of kindness
and assurance. To make their existence
more bearable, he sets forth principles
which, if followed, would bring them
hope and peace of mind.
These principles are not without ap-
plication in our day. The whole world,
save for the minority group of true
Christians, is in slavery to Satan. No
one group has a monopoly on suffering.
This slavery assumes various forms.
Many a wife is bound to an intolerant
husband, and vice versa. Some children
are forced to live under tyranny. Many
a working man is under the direction of
an unreasonable foreman. Corruption
exists on every level of authority. The
rights of many are openly or subtly de-
nied. In the midst of political, social,
and economic upheaval, perhaps Peter's
admonition is equally needful for Chris-
tians today.
The secret of maintaining a cairn,
serene, patient spirit in the midst of
anarchy, oppression, confusion, and
rebellion is found in studying our exam-
ple, Jesus Christ. Our passage gives a
portrait of the suffering servant of God.
Following our Redeemer's example is
the only way to solve the personal prob-
lem of maintaining our equilibrium even
under the most painful and unjust cir-
cumstances. To follow any other exam-
ple will spell spiritual disaster.
57
Good Conduct: As Servants
LESSON 7
Sunday
May 13
Part 1
ENDURANCE
1 Peter 2:18-20, RSV
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
58
To what two kinds of masters were servants to be submis-
sive?
"Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect,
not only to the kind and gentle but also to the overbearing. For
one is approved if, mindful of God, he endures pain while
suffering unjustly. For what credit is it, if when you do wrong
and are beaten for it you take it patiently? But if when you do
right and suffer for it you take it patiently, you have God's
approval."
Peter notes that masters may be "kind and gentle" or "over-
bearing" and "unfair." Even with the latter class of masters,
Peter admonishes believers to act like Christians. See also
Phil. 2:15.
"Masters." This comes from a Greek word from which we
get our English word "despots." This is a strong word with
a connotation of uncontrolled power and absolute ownership.
"Because many converts in the early church lived in physi-
cal bondage to earthly masters the church leaders found it
necessary to approach the problem of slavery from a practical,
rather than an ideal, point of view (see on Deut. 14:26). Chris-
tian slaves were to win the esteem and kindness of their mas-
ters by manifesting faithfulness, loyalty, humility, patience, and
a forgiving spirit."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on 1 Peter 2:18.
Under what conditions were Christian servants to suffer pa-
tiently? Verses 19, 20.
On the other hand, if a man is "beaten," meaning, "struck
with the fist" or "pummeled," because of his wrong actions,
it is no credit to him.
What course should I follow if accused or treated wrong-
fully?
"We cannot afford to let our spirits chafe over any real or
supposed wrong done to ourselves. Self is the enemy we most
need to fear. No form of vice has a more baleful effect upon
the character than has human passion not under the control
of the Holy Spirit. No other victory we can gain will be so pre-
cious as the victory gained over self.
"We should not allow our feelings to be easily wounded.
We are to live, not to guard our feelings or our reputation, but
to save souls. As we become interested in the salvation of souls,
we cease to mind the little differences that so often arise in our
association with one another. Whatever others may think of us
or do to us, it need not disturb our oneness with Christ, the
fellowship of the Spirit."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 485.
The Ministry of Healing,
page 487.
Good Conduct: As Servants
LESSON 7
Monday
May
14
Part 2
IN HIS STEPS
1 Peter 2:21
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
In what respect does Peter point to
-
Jesus as an example for
servants? Is it for us too?
"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also
suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his
steps."
What a calling! Called to suffer! Strange invitation! Peter
suffered, and so did the rest of the disciples. Multitudes of
Christians through the centuries have suffered; why should we
think it strange if we suffer? We should think it strange if we
do not suffer. In the center of the gospel stands the great moral
magnet of the universe—the cross of Christ. How the suffering
Christian ought to love the cross and all that it stands for! See
Matt. 16:24.
A person can operate on one of two principles of action rela-
tive to injustices. One is the principle of adjustment, patience,
kindness, love, and acceptance. The other is one of explosive
protest, retaliation, anger, and revolution. Peter votes for the
former and uses Christ as the example. The unjust suffering
of the Lord constitutes the example for the Christian. Paul
makes it clear when he says, "For unto you it is given in the
behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer
for his sake." Phil. 1:29.
Christ taught:
1.
That He must suffer. Luke 24:25-27, 44-47.
2.
That the purpose of His suffering was to provide a ransom
and remission of sins for others. Matt. 20:28; 26:28.
3.
That all who follow in His steps must be prepared to suf-
fer. Mark 8:34; 10:38, 39.
These three points are summed up in this verse. First, Christ
suffered; second, Christ suffered for
us;
third, His suffering sets
an example for us to follow in His steps.
What attitude do I take when suffering or persecution of any
type comes to me?
"Life is disciplinary. While in the world, the Christian will
meet with adverse influences. There will be provocations to test
the temper; and it is by meeting these in a right spirit that the
Christian graces are developed. If injuries and insults are
meekly borne, if insulting words are responded to by gentle
answers, and oppressive acts by kindness, this is evidence that
the Spirit of Christ dwells in the heart, that sap from the living
Vine is flowing to the branches. We are in the school of Christ
in this life, where we are to learn to be meek and lowly of
heart; and in the day of final accounts we shall see that all the
obstacles we meet, all the hardships and annoyances that we
are called to bear, are practical lessons in the application of
principles of Christian life. If well endured, they develop the
Christlike in the character and distinguish the Christian from
the worldling."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 344.
Evangelism,
page 524;
Steps to Christ,
"The Test of Disciple-
ship," pages 61, 62.
59
Good Conduct: As Servants
LESSON 7
Tuesday
May 15
Part 3
THE SINLESS ONE
1 Peter 2:22
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
60
How does verse 22 fit into Peter's line of thought? See also
verses 19 and 20.
"Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth."
"Who did no sin." Never in a single instance did Christ
commit sin. No lamb or any other animal sacrificed during the
sanctuary era was scrutinized for blemishes and mars as was
Christ. Peter, close companion of Christ, declared He was as
"a lamb without blemish and without spot." 1 Peter 1:19. Judas,
well acquainted with the sinlessness of Christ's life, was forced
to cry, "I have betrayed the innocent blood." Matt. 27:4. The
unscrupulous Pilate maintained to the end that he could find
no fault in Him. The only charge the priests could truthfully sub-
stantiate against Him was His claim to Deity.
The remarkable part of this truth is that in the preceding
verse we are commanded to "follow his steps." He is our ex-
ample. This command is also a promise. The greatness and
perfection of Christ does not place Him beyond our imitation.
Without a perfect example there would be no power to neu-
tralize our selfish, sensual natures. His life and character, when
studied and imitated, awaken the whole mind. Christ's perfec-
tion is communicable to us. An object of the gospel is to make
Christ accessible to us so that we become "partakers of the
divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world
through lust." 2 Peter 1:4.
Even though man retains his sinful nature until resurrection
or translation day, he can, through Christ, overcome every
defect of character. This is not only a possibility but his privi-
lege to experience. There is nothing that can prevent his grow-
ing up into Christ except his lack of faith. The goodness and
greatness of Jesus can be his by faith. Perfection in Christ is
an attainable goal. What a sublime standard! Without a perfect
pattern he could never reach the heights God has designed
for him. This perfection of Christ is one of the unique features
of Christianity.
"Neither was guile found in his mouth." During Jesus' life
both His friends and His enemies listened very carefully to His
words. No craftiness or trickery was found in His speech. His
mouth uttered only words that were in harmony with His Father's
character.
Do I believe that all sinful habits in my life can be overcome
through Christ's power? What habits remain to be conquered?
"As soon as He could talk, Christ used the talent of speech,
in the family circle and among friends and acquaintances, in
a way that was without fault. Not one impure word escaped His
lips. Never did He do a wrong action, for He was the Son of
God. Although He possessed a human form, yet He was with-
out a taint of
sin."—Welfare Ministry,
pages 286, 287.
Child Guidance,
page 150;
Welfare Ministry,
pages 286, 287.
Good Conduct: As Servants
LESSON 7
Wednesday
May 16
Part 4
THE SILENT
SAVIOUR
1 Peter 2:23
What was Christ's example of behavior in unjust suffering?
"Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suf-
fered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that
judgeth righteously."
Follow Christ on that awful Friday morning. Dragged before
Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin, Pilate, Herod and back to Pilate
again—scorned, accused, smitten, mocked, scourged, railed on,
taunted with every form of cruelty, and then finally hung be-
tween earth and heaven as if He were unfit for either place. To
treat a good man in this fashion is cause for horror. But to treat
the perfect Person in this way is unthinkable. What was His re-
action to this unjust treatment? He was silent before the San-
hedrin, silent before Caiaphas, silent before Pilate, silent before
Herod, silent before His accusers, and silent before even Peter
who denied Him.
This silence was a remarkable fulfillment of Isa. 53:7 which
stresses twice that Christ would be silent. "He was oppressed,
and he was afflicted, yet he
opened not his mouth:
he is brought
as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers
is dumb,
so he openeth not his mouth."
Christ, under strain
and the object of repeated attacks, never retaliated in the least.
To maintain control of the tongue under such adverse cir-
cumstances reveals a character under the Spirit's control. Peter
appeals not only to the servants in his day, but to men and
women down through the ages, to follow the example of Christ.
What agony the world would be spared if all would maintain
silence even when suffering undeserved abuse! If a person
whose life is at stake did not revile back, what about an individ-
ual whose life is not at stake but merely comes under provoca-
tion? The very least the Christian can do under these circum-
stances is to follow the advice of Solomon who suggested
that, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but 4rievous words
stir up anger." Prov. 15:1.
THINK IT THROUGH
What victories have I gained over my tongue—even when
I have suffered unjustly? What victories are yet ungained?
"When the cruelty of man caused Him to suffer painful stripes
and wounds, He threatened not, but committed Himself to Him
who judgeth righteously. . . . Christ has given us His life as a
pattern, and we dishonor Him when we become-jealous of every
slight, and are ready to resent every injury, supposed or real.
It is not an evidence of a noble mind to be prepared to defend
self, to preserve our own dignity. We would better suffer wrong-
fully a hundred times than wound the soul by a spirit of retalia-
tion, or by giving vent to wrath. There is strength to be obtained
of God. He can help. He can give grace and heavenly wisdom.
If you ask in faith, you will receive; but you must watch unto
prayer. Watch, pray, work, should be your watchword."—Testi-
monies,
Vol. 2, pp. 426, 427.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 2, pp. 566, 567.
61
Good Conduct: As Servants
LESSON 7
Thursday
May 17
Part 5
LIFE THROUGH
DEATH
1 Peter 2:24
For whose benefit did Jesus suffer?
"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the
tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteous-
ness: by whose stripes ye were healed."
The concept of transferring our sins to Jesus, the sinner's
Representative, Substitute, and Surety is something beyond our
powers to comprehend. Only the Holy Spirit can draw back the
curtains of the mind and let the light of the atonement shine in.
Peter first emphasizes that our Substitute had no substitute
for Himself. It was none other than God the Son who bore our
sins. He died, not for His own sins—for He "knew no sin"—
rather He died for our sins! Thought sublime—God dying for
man! (See 2 Cor. 5:21.)
This thought provides the most powerful motivation possible
to separate ourselves from sin. The purpose of the cross was
to save man not only from the penalty of sin, but also from
the power of sin. A study of the high cost of low living brings
with it a deep longing to be free from sin. How can anyone
serve the devil and uphold his program on earth after seeing
what Christ went through to save us? The only attitude for an
understanding Christian to assume toward sin is one of hate
and death. Living "unto righteousness" is possible only after
one perceives the mighty love expressed in the atonement.
Peter uses the thought of being healed with Christ's stripes.
See Isa. 53:5. The analogy between sin and sickness is clearly
taught in the Scriptures. Matthew interprets Isa. 53:4 more
literally when he recorded that Christ Himself took our infirmi-
ties and bare our sicknesses. The gospel carries with it a flood
of healing power for physical, mental, and spiritual ills. "It was
His mission to bring to men complete restoration; He came to
give them health and peace and perfection of character. . . .
From Him flowed a stream of healing power, and in body and
mind and soul men were made whole."—The
Ministry of Heal-
ing,
page 17.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can I sense more fully the extent to which Christ went
in order to redeem me?
"The fact that the only-begotten Son of God gave His life
because of man's transgression, to satisfy justice and to vin-
dicate the honor of God's law, should be constantly kept before
the minds of children and youth. . . . He is our only hope of
salvation. Through His sacrifice we who are now on probation
are prisoners of hope. We are to reveal to the universe, to the
world fallen and to worlds unfallen, that there is forgiveness
with God, that through the love of God we may be reconciled
to God. Man repents, becomes contrite in heart, believes in
Christ as His atoning sacrifice, and realizes that God is recon-
ciled to
him."—Fundamentals of Christian Education,
page 370.
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages,
Bk. 1, pp. 392, 393.
62
Good Conduct: As Servants
LESSON 7
Friday
May 18
Part 6
STRAY SHEEP
RETURNED
1 Peter 2:25
In what way does Peter compare people with sheep?
"For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned
unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."
Peter, referring to Isa. 53:6, portrays the picture of wander-
ing sinners and compares them to wandering sheep. There
is probably no more defenseless animal than a sheep. A stray
sheep is at the mercy of wild beasts and enemies and will cer-
tainly perish for want of pasture. Sheep are incapable of provid-
ing for themselves or of finding their way back to the fold from
which they have strayed. A lost sheep continues to stray and
if not sought out, found, and helped back to the fold, will in
time perish.
Men are sheep whether in or out of the fold. "Men may deny
the claim of His love, they may wander from Him, they may
choose another master; yet they are God's, and He longs to
recover His
own."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 187.
This is a picture of the world and every sinner in it. In the
parable of the lost sheep "Christ represents not only the in-
dividual sinner but die one world that has apostatized and has
been ruined by
sin."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 190.
How did God describe His work as the Shepherd of Israel?
Ezek. 34:12-16.
THINK IT THROUGH
When I am found, what is my responsibility toward other
sheep who are lost?
"As an earthly shepherd knows his sheep, so does the divine
Shepherd know His flock that are scattered throughout the
world....
"Jesus knows us individually, and is touched with the feeling
of our infirmities. He knows us all by name. He knows the very
house in which we live, the name of each occupant. He has
at times given directions to His servants to go to a certain
street in a certain city, to such a house, to find one of His sheep.
"Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only
one for whom the Saviour died. The distress of every one
touches His heart. The cry for aid reaches His ear. He came
to draw all men unto Himself. He bids them, 'Follow Me,' and
His spirit moves upon their hearts to draw them to come to
Him. Many refuse to be drawn. Jesus knows who they are. He
also knows who gladly hear His call, and are ready to come
under His pastoral care. He says, 'My sheep hear My voice,
and I know them, and they follow Me.' He cares for each one
as if there were not another on the face of the earth."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 479, 480.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
Chap. 15, "This Man Receiveth
Sinners—The Lost Sheep," pages 186-192.
63
not in outward adornment
—the braiding of the hair,
or jewellery,
or dress—
but in the inmost centre
of your being,
with its imperishable
ornament,
a gentle, quiet spirit,
which is of high value
in the sight of God.
GOOD CONDUCT:
LESSON 8
IN MARRIAGE
May 20-26
Your beauty should reside,
l' Peter 3:3, 4,
N.E.B.*
"But let it be the hidden man of the
heart, in that which is not corruptible,
even the ornament of a meek and quiet
spirit, which is in the sight of God of
great price." 1 Peter 3:4.
Peter continues his theme of submis-
sion. He admonishes citizens to submit
to their government (2:13, 14), and ser-
vants to submit to their masters (2:18).
Even though treated unfairly, Peter ad-
monished Christians to submit to those
who had authority over them. Our mod-
ern society, with its various liberation
movements, may consider Peter's ad-
monition outdated. Yet, "self-surrender
is the substance of the teachings of
Christ."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 523.
Submission in the Christian context is
also a necessity in the marriage rela-
tion. Peter relates-the theme of submis-
64
sion in a special way to those Christian
wives who were united to non-Christian
husbands. In the formative years of the
Christian church the problem of divided
homes was most prominent. Believing
wives were perplexed as to what course
to follow with their unbelieving hus-
bands. How to live a Christian life and
at the same time please and save their
husbands was a very pressing practical
concern. Peter's counsel indicates that
some of these concerned wives were
using wrong methods in their attempts
to save their husbands. The inspired
principles given on how to win husbands
to the Lord are applicable today. This
section of Peter's letter contains instruc-
tion which is valid not only for divided
homes but for those homes where both
parties are professed Christians.
Good Conduct: In Marriage
LESSON 8
Sunday
May 20
Part 1
WINNING
NON-CHRISTIAN
HUSBANDS
FOR CHRIST
1 Peter 3:1, 2
THINK IT THROUGH
"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands;
that, if any obey
-
not the word, they also may without the word
be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold
your chaste conversation coupled with fear."
The term "likewise," connects this section with the same
theme of submission which precedes it. Just as Christian citi-
zens and servants are to submit to the emperor and master, so
the believing wife is to submit to an unbelieving husband in the
hope of winning the unbelieving husband to Christ.
"Be in subjection." This phrase in no way implies inferiority
of women. The mother and wife has an incomparably important
position in her sphere. Yet, it must be recognized that for a
home to run smoothly and efficiently it must have a head. Just
as a government, business organization, or ball team must have
a captain or head, so must the home have a head. A two-headed
family spells unhappiness and eventual disaster.
Who is ordained by God to be the head of the family? Eph.
5:23.
"Neither husband nor wife is to make a plea for rulership.
The Lord has laid down the principle that is to guide in this
matter....
"Do not try to compel each other to do as you wish. You
cannot do this and retain each other's love. Manifestations of
self-will destroy the peace and happiness of the home. Let not
your married life be one of contention."—Testimonies, Vol.
7,
p. 47.
If I am married to a non-believing husband, what am I doing
to influence him in favor of Christianity? Can my husband see
Christ living in me?
"You have trials, I know, but there is such a thing as show-
ing a spirit of driving rather than of drawing. Your husband
needs each day to see a living example of patience and self-
control. Make every effort to please him, and yet do not yield
up one principle of the truth.. . .
"Christ requires the whole being in His service—heart, soul,
mind, and strength. As you give Him what He asks of you, you
will represent Him in character. Let your husband see the Holy
Spirit working in you. Be careful and considerate, patient and
forbearing. Do not urge the truth upon him. Do your duty as a
wife should, and then see if his heart is not touched. Your
affections must not be weaned from your husband. Please him
in every way possible. Let not your religious faith draw you
apart. Conscientiously obey God, and please your husband
wherever you can."—The
Adventist Home,
page 349.
FURTHER STUDY
The Adventist Home,
pages 348-352.
65
Good Conduct: In Marriage
LESSON 8
Monday
May 21
Part 2
FASHIONS FOR
CHRISTIAN WOMEN
1 Peter 3:3
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
66
What does Peter reject for human adornment?
"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of
plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of
apparel."
The beauty business prospered in Roman times. Roman cos-
metic equipment and materials were quite comparable with
those in use today. Extravagance in the use of cosmetics and
costumes probably prompted Peter to give this advice to
Christian women. The believing wife's religious influence over
her husband would be far greater if her adornment were the
inward principles of the Christian faith. Immodest, conspicuous,
gaudy dress, makeup, and ornamentation are not only exterior,
but are contrary to inward Christian principles. These exterior
adornments may attract a husband to his wife, but Peter is
urging that the wife attract her husband to Jesus Christ.
One reason for low moral standards today is the dazzling
dress of men and women who thus appeal to man's lower
nature. On the other hand, Peter is not appealing for sloppy
dressing. "In dress, as in all things else, it is our privilege
to honor our Creator. He desires our clothing to be not only
neat and healthful, but appropriate and becoming. . . .
"Our appearance in every respect should be characterized
by neatness, modesty, and purity."—Child
Guidance,
page 413.
"Our clothing, while modest and simple, should be of good
quality, of becoming colors, and suited for service."—Child
Guidance,
page 420.
"When the mind is fixed upon pleasing God alone, all the
needless embellishments of the person disappear."—Testi-
monies,
Vol. 4, p. 645.
What changes should I make in my personal appearance so
that I may reflect Christian principles?
"Christians should not take pains to make themselves a
gazingstock by dressing differently from the world. But if, when
following out their convictions of duty in respect to dressing
modestly and healthfully, they find themselves out of fashion,
they should not change their dress in order to be like the world;
but they should manifest a noble independence and moral
courage to be right, if all the world differ from them.
"If the world introduce a modest, convenient, and healthful
mode of dress, which is in accordance with the Bible, it will
not change our relation to God or to the world to adopt such
a style of dress. Christians should follow Christ and make their
dress conform to God's Word. They should shun extremes. They
should humbly pursue a straightforward course, irrespective of
applause or of censure, and should cling to the right because
of its own merits."—Child
Guidance,
page 414.
Evangelism,
pages 270-272;
Welfare Ministry,
page 216.
Good Conduct: In Marriage
LESSON 8
Tuesday
May 22
Part 3
CHRISTIAN
ORNAMENTS
1 Peter 3:4
"But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is
not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit,
which is in the sight of God of great price."
Those whose chief desire is to be admired and flattered, and
to make a sensational impression on society have problems
keeping their minds off themselves. But those who follow Peter's
counsel of "putting on the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit,"
will find that "ninety-nine out of a hundred of the troubles which
so terribly embitter life might be
saved."—Testimonies,
Vol. 4,
p. 348.
Self-importance can be greatly encouraged by making dress
and adornment the main theme of life.
What comparison did Paul make between the outward and
inward man? 2 Cor. 4:16.
One of Peter's favorite terms was "incorruptible." It is used
several times in this small book. The term "incorruptible" or
"not corruptible" indicates a freedom from spoilage, decay, or
even theft. Earthly treasures such as gold may be relatively
incorruptible, but they cannot endure the fires of the world's
end. In verse 3 Peter advises against the wearing of gold on
the outside, but the true gold of faith and love in the heart
will endure eternally. Our pattern is God who covers Himself
with a garment of light (Ps. 104:2).
THINK IT THROUGH
When Christ was transfigured, what was striking about His
appearance? Matt. 17:2.
How can my appearance reflect Christ instead of self?
"Let the new converts be faithfully dealt with. Are they vain
in dress? Do they cherish pride of heart? The idolatry of dress
is a moral disease. It must not be taken over into the new life.
In most cases, submission to the gospel requirements will de-
mand a decided change in the dress.
"There should be no carelessness in dress. For Christ's
sake, whose witnesses we are, we should seek to make the best
of our appearance.. ..
"The words of Scripture in regard to dress should be care-
fully considered. We need to understand that which the Lord
of heaven appreciates in even the dressing of the body. All
who are in earnest in seeking for the grace of Christ will heed
the precious words of instruction inspired by God. Even the
style of the apparel will express the truth of the gospel."—Testi-
monies,
Vol. 6, p. 96.
FURTHER STUDY
The Adventist Home,
pages 383-385.
67
Good Conduct: In Marriage
LESSON 8
Wednesday
May 23
Part 4
EXAMPLE OF
HOLY WOMEN
1 Peter 3:5
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
68
What were the two relationships of the "holy women"?
"For after this manner in the old time the holy women also,
who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection
unto their own husbands."
The term "holy women" does not refer to a type of woman
found exclusively in Bible times. It means a person "set apart"
from the world for a holy purpose. The same term can be
applied to any devoted Christian today. These women depended
upon God and made it their business to follow His will. Their
lives were adorned, just as ours can be, with the desirable char-
acteristics of quietness and gentleness.
"When the wife yields her body and mind to the control of her
husband, being passive to his will in all things, sacrificing her
conscience, her dignity, and even her identity, she loses the
opportunity of exerting that mighty influence for good which
she should possess to elevate her
husband."—Testimonies,
Vol. 2, p. 476.
Is divorce the best solution for a religiously divided home,
or where incompatibility exists?
Referring to those who find themselves ill-mated, Ellen White
counsels that "they ought then to make the best of their situa-
tion, but many will not do this. They will either prove false to
their marriage vows or make the yoke which they persisted in
placing upon their own necks so very galling that not a few
cowardly put an end to their existence.
"It should henceforth be the life study of both husband and
wife how to avoid everything that creates contention and to
keep unbroken the marriage vows."—T
he Adventist Home,
page 85.
In what ways does my daily life exert a sanctifying influence
on my partner?
"The moral character of those united in marriage is either
elevated or degraded by their association; and the work of
deterioration accomplished by a low, deceptive, selfish, uncon-
trollable nature is begun soon after the marriage ceremony.
If the young man makes a wise choice, he may have one to
stand by his side who will bear to the utmost of her ability her
share of the burdens of life, who will ennoble and refine him,
and make him happy in her love. But if the wife is fitful in char-
acter, self-admiring, exacting, accusing, charging her husband
with motives and feelings that originate only in her own per-
verted temperament; if she has not discernment and nice dis-
crimination to recognize his love and appreciate it, but talks
of neglect and lack of love because he does not gratify every
whim, she will almost inevitably bring about the very state of
things she seems to deplore; she will make all these accusa-
tions realities."—The
Adventist Home,
pages 109, 110.
Testimonies,
Vol. 1, pp. 188, 189.
Good Conduct: In Marriage
LESSON 8
Thursday
May
24
Part 5
THE MODEL
COUPLE
1 Peter 3:6
"Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose
daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with
any amazement."
Sarah was the best illustration that Peter could use in the
first century because of the high regard in which she was held
by the Jews as the "mother" of the nation.
The Christian wife living with a non-Christian husband often
finds life difficult. Peter presents an outstanding example of a
husband-wife relationship. The principles taught are valid for
a religiously united or a divided home.
One word which would describe better than others an atti-
tude or quality a husband and wife must have if happiness is
to be achieved would be the word "respect." The relationship
between Sarah and Abraham was built on deep respect for
each other. "She reverenced her husband, and in this she is
presented in the New Testament as a worthy
example."—Pa-
triarchs and Prophets,
page 147.
"Calling him lord." To twentieth century ears this term
sounds strangely ancient. Yet a courteous acknowledgment of
each other on the part of husbands and wives brings with it
the fruit of peace. This was not merely an outward custom with
Sarah, but even in her thoughts of Abraham she referred to
him as "My lord." (See Gen. 18:12.) Considering the ever climb-
ing divorce rate and the abundant misery which is so wide-
spread in the homes of the world, wouldn't it be well for all
husbands and wives to cultivate daily a deeper respect in
both attitudes and actions toward each other?
THINK IT THROUGH
What can I do to improve my relationship with my spouse?
"Let all see that you love Jesus and trust in Him. Give your
husband and your believing and unbelieving friends evidence
that you desire them to see the beauty of truth. But do not show
that painful, worrying anxiety which often spoils a good
work....
"Never let a word of reproach or faultfinding fall upon the
ears of your husband. You sometimes pass through strait
places, but do not talk of these trials. Silence is eloquence.
Hasty speech will only increase your unhappiness. Be cheerful
and happy. Bring all the sunshine possible into your home, and
shut out the shadows. Let the bright beams of the Sun of
Righteousness shine into the chambers of your soul temple.
Then the fragrance of the Christian life will be brought into
your family. There will be no dwelling upon disagreeable
things, which many times have no truth in them."—The
Ad-
ventist Home,
page 349.
FURTHER STUDY
Education,
pages 240-245.
69
Good Conduct: In Marriage
LESSON 8
Friday
May
25
Part 6
HUSBANDS,
HONOR, AND HEIRS
1 Peter 3:1
What should be the Christian husband's attitude toward his
wife?
"Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to
knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker
vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that
your prayers be not hindered."
Peter penned these words in an age when women were con-
sidered inferior to men. True Christianity has been, and is, the
greatest force in the world to free slaves, to elevate women to
their rightful place, and to make saints out of sinners.
What comparable advice did Paul give to husbands? Eph.
5:25-33.
"According to knowledge." A wise, knowledgeable husband
is intent on making his marriage succeed. Few recognize that
building a happy union takes work. Just as carpenters build a
house, so the husband and wife must daily lay and execute
plans for building their marriage and home. The same principles
required to build a house or to build a character are necessary
for building a marriage union. What Christian literature would
you recommend for careful reading and study to those planning
to be married, as well as to those who are building their homes?
"Weaker vessel." This is no reference to morals, talents,
personal qualities, intellectual abilities, or even ability to endure
suffering. Women generally do not have the same muscle
strength as men. No Christian husband will place upon her bur-
dens which are beyond her powers to endure.
Peter's basis of appeal to husbands to give due honor to
their wives is the fact that they are joint heirs of salvation.
Since they are "co-heirs," they have souls equally precious in
the sight of God. Each is to shun anything that might cause
the other to stumble. If the husband maintains a tyrannical, un-
reasonable and selfish spirit toward his wife, God's ears will be
deaf to his prayers.
THINK IT THROUGH
As a husband, how can I be more sympathetic
toward
my
wife?
"To the man who is a husband and a father, I would say, Be
sure that a pure, holy atmosphere surrounds your soul. . . .
You are to learn daily of Christ. Never, never are you to show
a tyrannical spirit in the home. The man who does this is work-
ing in partnership with satanic agencies. Bring your will into
submission to the will of God. Do all in your power to make the
life of your wife pleasant and happy."—The
Adventist Home,
pages 213, 214.
FURTHER STUDY
The Adventist Home,
pages 211-215.
70
CHRISTIAN
LESSON 9
CHARACTERISTICS
May 27 to June 2
"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having
compassion one of another, love as
brethren, be pitiful, be courteous."
1 Peter 3:8.
Peter draws to a conclusion his dis-
cussion on submission. Love, the chief
of virtues, is the foundation principle on
which a Christian builds an attitude of
submission to authority whether it be
government, masters, employers, hus-
bands, or wives. He pleads for an ex-
hibition of brotherly kindness. He urges
a spirit of unanimity and Christlikeness
in thought, feeling, and actions. Peter
had finally learned the hard way the
theme of Jesus' teaching—that of self-
surrender.
"Self-sacrifice is the keynote of the
teachings of Christ."—Testimonies, Vol.
9, p. 49.
"Self-surrender is the substance of
the teachings of Christ."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 523.
"The law of self-serving is the law of
self-destruction."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 624.
When the gospel of Christ becomes a
part of a man's life, it inevitably has a
subduing effect on the heart. True social
reforms will take place when these heav-
enly impulses surge through the hearts
of Christians.
Beginning with verse 11 in chapter
2 and carrying through to verse 13 of
chapter 3, Peter deals with the Chris-
tian's relationship with his fellowman.
He now brings this section to a climax
by listing certain qualities, and modes
of conduct which will marIcall those who
fear the Lord. He makes special men-
tion of the tongue by quoting from
Psalm 34.
Referring to verses 10-12, inspiration
declares: "Those who have an experi-
mental knowledge of this scripture are
truly happy. They consider the appro-
bation of Heaven of more worth than any
earthly amusement; Christ in them the
hope of glory will be health to the body
and strength to the
soul."—Testimonies,
Vol. 1, p. 566.
An article entitled "God's Design
for His People," appears at the end
of this week's lesson for supplemen-
tary reading. Ellen White wrote this
article for the
Review and Herald,
July 4, 1899.
71
Christian Characteristics
LESSON 9
Sunday
May 27
Part 1
FIVE CHRISTIAN
QUALITIES
1 Peter 3:8
"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of
another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous."
Five desirable Christian characteristics are listed. Note the
social element in each one.
"Be ye all of one mind." Unity of heart and spirit is the
thought in this command. There is a vast difference between
unity of spirit and absolute uniformity of understanding, think-
ing, and even action. Certainly, true Christians should have
a common belief. There should be essential agreement on
major doctrines, the basic truths of salvation, and the goals of
the Christian church.
The oneness of attitude and mind in this injunction does not
refer to a monotonous similarity. The Christian church has a
certain diversity in its unity.
What illustration does Paul use to explain unity and diversity
in the church? 1 Cor. 12:14-31.
There is a marvelous indivisible unity in a living body. So
with Christians. They may not look alike or see alike in every
detail, but they may for the love of Christ be "all of one mind."
"Having compassion one of another." Our word "sympathy"
comes from the Greek term for compassion. The sympathetic
person is sensitive to the needs, the peculiarities, the weak-
nesses of others. It is a "fellow-feeling." It can be an expression
of joy or sorrow depending on the circumstances. (See Rom.
12:15.)
"Be courteous." The RSV gives a preferable reading—"have
a humble mind." This special Christian virtue is usually looked
upon as weakness by the non-Christian. Might does not make
right in Christian thinking. How much the world needs to see
this quality exhibited in all mankind, whether it be squeezing
into the elevator, walking the streets, driving a car, living har-
moniously with members of the family, or dealing with business
associates.
"'Love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.' Cherish a su-
preme reverence for justice and truth, and a hatred for all
cruelty and oppression. Do unto others as you would wish them
to do to you. God forbids you to favor self, to the disadvantage
of another."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commen-
tary,
Vol. 7, p. 942.
THINK IT THROUGH
If my character were graded on these five qualities, how
would I rate?
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies to Ministers,
pages 150, 151;
The Ministry of
Healing,
pages 489, 490.
72
Christian Characteristics
LESSON 9
Monday
May 28
Part 2
CHRISTIAN
RETALIATION
1 Peter 3:9
"Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but con-
trariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that
ye should inherit a blessing."
To render or give back just what a person gives us places
us on the same low level of the unconverted enemy who treats
us wrong. If God so loved us, and did not render back to us
what is due us, but rather died for us on the cross, how willing
we should be to endure suffering, even wrongfully.
How did Paul express a similar command? Rom. 12:17;
1 Thess. 5:15. What was Paul's testimony as to his own be-
havior toward persecution? 1 Cor. 4:12.
Someone has said, "We should ever conduct ourselves
toward our enemy as if he were one day to be our friend."
The true Christian has too much good sense to be insulted by
insults. He is too busy to notice injuries and too forgetful to
bear malice.
From a purely selfish standpoint, the one who operates on
the principle of returning evil for evil—who is always vindicating
himself and standing up for his rights—pays a heavy price for
his so-called victories. He lives in a constant atmosphere of
turmoil. He is never at peace with himself or with his fellow-
man. He lives on an impoverished spiritual diet and misses the
blessings which come to those who by the grace of God heap
coals of fire on their enemies' heads! Retaliation with blessings
is the Christian's secret weapon.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is my attitude toward those who have treated me
wrongfully?
"When Christ was living on the earth, how surprised His
associates would have been, if, after becoming acquainted
with Him, they had heard Him speak one word of accusation,
of faultfinding, or of impatience. Let us never forget that those
who love Him are to represent Him in character. . . .
"The Lord Jesus demands our acknowledgment of the
rights of every man. Men's social rights, and their rights as
Christians, are to be taken into consideration. All are to be
treated with refinement and delicacy, as the sons and daugh-
ters of God.
"Christianity will make a man a gentleman. Christ was
courteous, even to His persecutors; and His true followers will
manifest the same spirit."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 489.
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
on Matt. 5:39, pages
69-73.
73
Christian Characteristics
LESSON 9
Tuesday
May 29
Part 3
A HEALTH-
PRODUCING TONGUE
1 Peter 3:10
THINK IT THROUGH
"For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain
his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile."
Peter begins quoting from Psalm 34, a lovely poem of com-
fort. Who was better acquainted than Peter with the ill effects
of an uncontrolled tongue which utters words that burn, destroy,
ruin friendships, shorten life, and cause horrible regrets? Peter
never forgot the awful display of intemperance of his own
tongue when he denied his Master. He emphasized the in-
fluence of the tongue repeatedly. See 1 Peter 2:1, 21-23.
The tongue has ever been an instrument of mischief. It has
separated friends, destroyed reputations, and produced untold
agony and bitter tears. Those who have a living experience
with Christ will have consecrated lips.
How does James describe the tongue? James 3:5, 6.
Peace in the world, nation, church, home and tongue must
begin in the heart. When the heart is right, the words will show
it. Our text deals not only with nasty gossip, but any talk which
is negative and destructive. To go through the world complain-
ing and groaning about everything and everyone can actually
affect the quality and quantity of life.
"Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul
than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty
to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings—as
much a duty as it is to pray. If we are heaven-bound, how can
we go as a band of mourners, groaning and complaining all
along the way to our Father's house?—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 251.
What was my record of speech today? On what points do I
especially need help?
"Through the help that Christ can give, we shall be able to
learn to bridle the tongue. Sorely as He was tried on the point
of hasty and angry speech, He never once sinned with His
lips. With patient calmness He met the sneers, the taunts, and
the ridicule of His fellow workers at the carpenter's bench. In-
stead of retorting angrily, He would begin to sing one of David's
beautiful psalms; and His companions, before realizing what
they were doing, would unite with Him in the hymn. What a
transformation would be wrought in this world if men and
women today would follow Christ's example in the use of
words."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 936.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 1, pp. 356, 357.
74
Christian Characteristics
LESSON 9
Wednesday
May 30
Part 4
TURNING FROM EVIL
1 Peter 3:11
"Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and
ensue it."
Peter continues his quotation from Ps. 34:12-16. "Let him
eschew evil" simply means, let him turn away from evil.
"And do good." Abstaining from evil is insufficient. The true
Christian has a positive record of good deeds done. "By their
fruits ye shall know them." Matt. 7:20.
The man who simply refrains from evildoing and enters into
no active program of good doing has an empty, barren Chris-
tian experience. True religion is a practical religion. Goodness
and corresponding activity under God's blessing, are mighty
safeguards against evil. The person who fills up his life with
good thoughts, and the deeds which arise from them, keeps
evil squeezed out!
What parable did Jesus give to illustrate the wisdom of re-
placing evil with good? Matt. 12:43-45.
"We must inevitably be under the control of the one or the
other of the two great powers that are contending for the su-
premacy of the world. It is not necessary for us deliberately to
choose the service of the kingdom of darkness in order to come
under its dominion. We have only to neglect to ally ourselves
with the kingdom of light."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 324.
"Let him seek peace." Not only are Christians to have har-
monious relations with each other, but they are to pursue it
zealously. No quality of character comes by chance. It is devel-
oped. God gives man the talents, but man must improve these
talents. "Blessed are the peacemakers" (Matt. 5:9).
THINK IT THROUGH
What similar counsel did Paul give the Romans relative to
seeking peace? Rom. 12:18.
What "good" in my sphere of life awaits my action?
"Those who, so far as it is possible, engage in the work of
doing good to others by giving practical demonstration of their
interest in them are not only relieving the ills of human life in
helping them bear their burdens, but are at the same time con-
tributing largely to their own health of soul and body. Doing
good is a work that benefits both giver and receiver. If you
forget self in your interest for others, you gain a victory over
your infirmities. The satisfaction you will realize in doing good
will aid you greatly in the recovery of the healthy tone of the
imagination. The pleasure of doing good animates the mind and
vibrates through the whole
body."—Testimonies,
Vol. 2, p. 534.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pages 323, 324.
75
Christian Characteristics
LESSON 9
Thursday
May 31
Part 5
THE EYES, EARS,
AND FACE OF
THE LORD
1 Peter 3:12
"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his
ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is
against them that do evil."
Peter comes to the final passage quoted from Ps. 34. Imag-
ine God bending low to hear the prayers of His followers. He
eagerly listens for their petitions and is eager to answer them.
What security the Christian has to know that the God whom
he serves does not have wooden ears or glass eyes! Further-
more, it is not a matter of begging God to hear us, but rather
believing that God does hear the prayers of those who earnestly
seek Him.
Take prayer from the heart of a Christian, and you reduce
him to a lost soul. Take prayer from our world, and man would
lose the link of communion between man and God. Prayer is
an accurate gauge of our faith.
"No man is safe for a day or an hour without prayer."—The
Great Controversy,
page 530.
Do we need to coax God to hear our prayers? Ps. 62:8;
Heb. 4:16:
In contrast to God's tender loving care over His children,
"the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." Our names
may be on the church books; but if we live in rebellion and
sin, we may know for a certainty that the face of God is against
us. In an age when love is being stressed on every side, let us
not overlook the fact that we serve a God of justice and fair-
ness. He will not overlook evil. The provisions for escaping from
evil are readily available. That way of escape cost the Son of
God His life, and if a person refuses to permit Christ to live in
His life, refuses to surrender his entire being to His power, can
he expect anything less than that God's face should be against
him?
Love that is indulgent is not really love! The parent who does
not properly discipline his children is partially responsible for
the confusion, turmoil, and rebellion that exist in the hearts
of their young.
THINK IT THROUGH
What can be accomplished for me through prayer?
"Cry unto the Lord, tempted soul. Cast yourself, helpless,
unworthy, upon Jesus, and claim His very promise. The Lord
will hear. He knows how strong are the inclinations of the
natural heart, and He will help in every time of temptation.
"Have you fallen into sin? Then without delay seek God for
mercy and
pardon."—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 177.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 5, pp. 177, 212;
Steps to Christ,
"The Privi-
lege of Prayer," pages 93-104.
76
Christian Characteristics
LESSON 9
Friday
June I
Part 6
THE REWARD OF
RIGHT DOING
1 Peter 3:13, RSV
THINK IT THROUGH
"Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what
is right?"
In introducing the section of his epistle that deals with good
conduct, Peter suggested that accusations against Christians
would not be sustained if they maintained good conduct (2:12).
With today's verse he has returned to the same thought and
brings to a close his counsel on behavior. If Christians in every
capacity will conduct themselves circumspectly, they will mini-
mize the coming trouble. This is true in general for all citizens
and believers; but it also applies to the special conditions of
servants, wives, or husbands. This, of course, was not the only
reason in Peter's mind for good conduct. In each case he shows
how their good conduct relates to God and to Jesus Christ
(see 2:15, 16, 20, 21; 3:3, 4, 7, 12), and how it also relates to
the salvation of unbelievers (2:12; 3:1).
During the days in which Peter wrote this epistle a strong
nationalistic Jewish party known as Zealots operated. They
became fanatical resistance fighters against the Romans. These
revolutionaries were assassins and were labeled Sicarii, mean-
ing "daggermen." Their philosophy of "might makes right"
helped to bring about the destruction of Jerusalem, according
to the Jewish historian Josephus. Peter undoubtedly was well
acquainted with the philosophy of these violent men and their
evil deeds. He would have "zealots" for Christ as far as enthu-
siasm, conviction, and determination were concerned.
If Christians exhibited the same zeal for the cause of Christ
as revolutionaries exhibit for their cause, how many more would
be on God's side today!
How does the prophet Isaiah express the same concept? Isa.
58:7, 8.
What are the rewards of right doing?
"In times past some in the sanitarium have felt it their duty
to introduce the Sabbath question in all places. They have
urged it upon the patients with earnestness and persistency.
To such the angels of God would say, Not
words,
but
deeds.
The daily life tells much more than any number of words. A
uniform cheerfulness, tender kindness, Christian benevolence,
patience, and love will melt away prejudice, and open the
heart to the reception of the truth. Few understand the power
of these precious influences."—Evangelism, page 543.
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
on Matt. 5:14, pages
38-44.
77
GOD'S DESIGN FOR HIS PEOPLE
By Ellen G. White
The strength of God's people lies in
their union with him through his only
begotten Son, and their union with one
another. There are no two leaves of a
tree precisely alike; neither do all minds
run in the same direction. But while this
is so, there may be unity in diversity.
Christ is our root, and all who are grafted
into this root will bear the fruit which
Christ bore. They will reveal the fra-
grance of his character in the talent of
speech, in the cultivation of hospitality,
of kindness, of Christian courtesy and
heavenly politeness. Look at the flowers
in a carpet, and notice the different col-
ored threads. All are not pink, all are not
green, all are not blue. A variety of col-
ors are woven together to perfect the
pattern. So it is in the design of God. He
has a purpose in placing us where we
must learn to live as individuals. We are
not all fitted to do the same kind of
work, but each man's work is designed
by God to help make up his plan.
When the Lord commanded the chil-
dren of Israel to build the tabernacle,
and gave them the plan for its furniture,
its curtains, and everything pertaining to
it, all were not given the same work. The
Lord chose his workers, and then fitted
them for their work by giving to them
skill, and imparting to them his wisdom.
To each worker was appointed work ac-
cording to his ability. No worker was to
lay hold of one portion of the work, and
place himself in the way of his fellow
laborer. Each was to do with the strictest
fidelity the part appointed him. The plan
of the great Deviser was followed, and
the tabernacle came forth, from the
hands of the workers, complete, each
part in harmony with every other.
Industry in a God-appointed work is
as much part of true religion as is devo-
tion. We are not to think that in any of
the work essential in the building of the
tabernacle one part was menial and the
other not. Every part of God's work
means service. He declares of his peo-
ple, Ye are laborers together with God.
We are to bear in mind that this world
is the Lord's workshop. We are to bear
the image of God, and every soul saved
through the sacrifice of the Son of God
78
must in this life be made complete in
Christ. There is much to do in order to
fit us for the courts of the Lord. The
roughness of spirit, the coarseness of
speech, the cheapness of character,
must be put away, or we can never wear
the garment woven in the heavenly loom,
—the righteousness of Christ.
The Lord designs to bring his people
as material from the quarry of the world,
that he may work them. They are in need
of the ax and the hammer, of planing
and polishing; for if this work is not
done, the stones will retain their rough-
ness. They will be unsymmetrical, and
unfitted to fill the place Christ has pre-
pared for every one who will enter the
kingdom of heaven. Those who, under
the education of Christ, make it possible
to reach the highest attainments will
take every divine improvement with them
to the higher school. But those who are
unwilling to have their characters
molded after the divine similitude make
the angels sad; for by clinging to their
sinful habits and practises they spoil
the design of God.
Angels of God are appointed to minis-
ter unto those who shall be heirs of
salvation. The work of these heavenly
beings is to prepare the inhabitants of
this world to become children of God,
pure, holy, undefiled. But men, though
professing to be followers of Christ, do
not place themselves in a position
where they can understand this minis-
try, and thus the work of the heavenly
messengers is made hard. The angels,
who do always behold the face of the
Father in heaven, would prefer to remain
close by the side of God, in the pure
and holy atmosphere of heaven; but a
work must be done in bringing this heav-
enly atmosphere to the souls who are
tempted and tried, that Satan may not
disqualify them for the place the Lord
would have them fill in the heavenly
courts. Principalities and power in
heavenly places combine with these an-
gels in their ministration for those who
shall be heirs of salvation. But how sad
it is that this work is hindered by the
coarseness, the roughness, the worldly-
mindedness of men and women who are
so desirous of securing their own ends,
of gratifying their own wishes, that they
lose sight of the word of God, which
should be their instructor and their
guide.
The Lord gives to every angel his
work for this fallen world. Divine help
is provided for men and women. They
have the opportunity of co-operating
with the heavenly intelligences, of being
laborers together with God. There is
placed before them the possibility of
gaining a fitness for the presence of
God, of being enabled to see his face.
Heavenly angels are working to bring
the human family into a close brother-
hood, a oneness described by Christ as
like that existing between the Father and
the Son. How can men so highly favored
by God fail to appreciate their oppor-
tunities and privileges? How can they
refuse to accept the divine help prof-
fered? How much it is possible for hu-
man beings to gain if they will keep eter-
nity in view!
Satanic agencies are always warring
for the mastery over the human mind,
but the angels of God are constantly at
work, strengthening the weak hands and
confirming the feeble knees of all who
call upon God for help. The promise to
every child of God is, -"Ask, and it shall
be given you; seek, and ye shall find;
knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
for every one that asketh receiveth; and
he that seeketh findeth; and to him that
knocketh it shall be opened."
The Lord is more willing to give the
Holy Spirit to them that ask him than
parents are to give good gifts to their
children. Then ask. Believe what God
has said. He will surely fulfill his word.
Say from your heart, "My flesh and my
heart faileth: but God is the strength of
my heart, and my portion forever." The
victory must be gained day by day. As
Christ's representatives, we are to stand
on vantage-ground before the world. Let
us, then, engage in this part of the Chris-
tian warfare, determinedly overcoming
every weakness of character.
The Lord has had true-hearted men
and women, those who have made a
covenant with him by sacrifice. They
have not swerved from their integrity.
They have kept themselves unspotted
from the world, and they have been led
by the Light of life to defeat the pur-
poses of the wily foe. Will human beings
now act their part in resisting the devil?
If they will do this, he will surely flee
from them. Angels, who will do for you
what you can not do for yourselves, are
waiting for your co-operation. They are
waiting for you to respond to the draw-
ing of Christ. Draw nigh to God and to
one another. By desire, by silent prayer,
by resistance of satanic agencies, put
your will on the side of God's will. While
you have one desire to resist the devil,
and sincerely pray, Deliver me from
temptation, you will have strength for
your day. It is the work of the heavenly
angels to come close to the tried, the
tempted, the suffering ones. They labor
long and untiringly to save the souls
for whom Christ has died. And when
souls appreciate their advantages, ap-
preciate the heavenly assistance sent
them, respond to the Holy Spirit's work-
ing on their behalf; when they put their
will on the side of Christ's will, angels
bear the tidings heavenward. Returning
to the heavenly courts, they report their
success with the souls for whom they
have ministered, and there is rejoicing
among the heavenly host.
The angels of God have seen in the
churches a condition of things which has
grieved them, and grieved the Holy
Spirit. The professed people of God have
shown a lack of unity and love. They
have not heeded the admonition, "Be ye
therefore followers of God, as dear chil-
dren; and walk in love, as Christ also
hath loved us, and hath given himself
for us an offering and a sacrifice to God
for a sweet-smelling savor." The apostle
Paul says, "We then that are strong
ought to bear the infirmities of the weak,
and not to please ourselves. Let every
one of us please his neighbor for his
good to edification. For even Christ
pleased not himself. . . . Whatsoever
things were written aforetime were writ-
ten for our learning, that ye through
patience and comfort of the Scriptures
might have hope. Now the God of pa-
tience and consolation grant you to be
like-minded one toward another, accord-
ing to Christ Jesus: that ye may with
one mind and one mouth glorify God."
Again he says: "Let love be without
dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil;
cleave to that which is good. Be kindly
affectioned one to another with broth-
erly love; in honor preferring one an-
other; not slothful in business; fervent
79
in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in
hope; patient in tribulation; continuing
instant in prayer; distributing to the
necessity of saints; given to hospitality."
This admonition has been strangely
neglected: "Distributing to the necessity
of saints; given to hospitality." Plans
have been devised by which the loving
attentions shown in hospitality and visit-
ing, a work which should bind heart to
heart, are cut off. Let not methods and
plans be invented which will give no
opportunity for brotherly love to live.
The spirit of covetousness, 0, let it die!
Our Heavenly Father gives us of his
bounty freely, and for his sake who gave
his life for us we should entertain our
brethren and sisters.
The Lord designs that we shall care
for the interests of one another. The
apostle Paul gives us an illustration of
this. Addressing the church at Rome, he
says: "I commend unto you Phebe our
'sister, which is a servant of the church
which is at Cenchrea; that ye receive
her in the Lord as becometh saints, and
that ye assist her in whatsoever business
she hath need of you: for she hath been
a succorer of many, and of myself also."
Christ's admonition to his disciples is
to be heeded by us. Almost his last
words before he gave his life for the
world were, "A new commandment I
give unto you, That ye love one an-
other." How much, Lord?—"As I have
loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are
my disciples, if ye have love one to
another."—Review
and Herald,
July 4,
1899.
80
LESSON 10
June 3-9
SUFFERING
FOR CHRIST
"But even if you do suffer for
righteousness' sake, you will
be blessed.... Always be
prepared to make a
defense to any one
who calls you to ac-
count for the hope
that is in you, yet do
it with gentleness
and reverence."
1 Peter 3:14,15, R.S.V.
"But sanctify the Lord God in your
hearts: and be ready always to give an
answer to every man that asketh you a
reason of the hope that is in you with
meekness and fear: having a good con-
science; that, whereas they speak evil of
you, as of evildoers, they may be
ashamed that falsely accuse your good
conversation in Christ." 1 Peter 3:15, 16.
The student of Peter's epistle should
keep in mind that it was written to Chris-
tians who were exposed to persecution
and suffering because of their faith in
Christ. Similar conditions will exist
throughout the world again. We believe
we are living in the time of the end, and
no Christian who lives until our Lord
returns will be exempt from suffering for
his faith. Trials will come to all regard-
less of their national or racial origins.
This week's lesson contains a difficult
passage; but if the student keeps in
mind that Peter is not setting forth any
special doctrine but rather is giving
strength and assurance to Christians in
the fires of persecution, the passage will
be clear.
Persecution and its effects were well-
known to Peter. He remembered the
stoning of Stephen (Acts 7), the behead-
ing of James (Acts 12), and his own
miraculous deliverance from prison and
threat of death by an angel in answer
to prayer (Acts 12). He also knew of the
sufferings of Paul; yet in spite of all this,
Peter assumed no posture of defeat but
rather one of courage and confidence in
suffering. Christians today will profit
from a careful study of Peter's counsel.
81
Suffering for Christ
LESSON 10
Sunday
June 3
Part 1
REMEDY FOR FEAR
1 Peter 3:14, 15
"But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye:
and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanc-
tify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give
an answer to
every
man that asketh you a reason of the hope
that is in you with meekness and fear."
Peter has already asked the question, "Who is he that will
harm you?" Verse 13. "If ye suffer for righteousness' sake,"
count yourself "happy," or "blessed." See Matt. 5:10. This
sounds paradoxical as it is opposite to the course which the
natural man would follow. Trouble becomes unbearable when
it is accompanied with the fear that it is
deserved.
But the most
distressing circumstances have little effect upon the man of
God who has sanctified the Lord God in his heart.
How could the apostle Paul stand calmly before an angry
Sanhedrin that longed for his death? Acts 23:1.
Christ is the example of One who was ready "to give an
answer to every man." God gave men minds to study, reason,
and reflect. Every spare moment should be used by Seventh-
day Adventists in these final hours of earth's history in gaining
a deeper knowledge of Christ and His doctrines. This does
not mean that everyone must be familiar with the theological
language of the day, but rather that he should be able to convey
the plan of salvation convincingly and clearly to others. Even
those young in years, such as the lsraelitish maid in Naaman's
household, may be ready with the right answers. Here was a
child taken from her family and native land into a stranger's
household, yet her cheerful, helpful ways brought the truth to
the commander-in-chief of the Syrian army. No one is too young
or too old to witness for Christ.
THINK IT THROUGH
How much of our special message could I explain to some-
one else at a moment's notice?
"Every soul who believes present truth will be brought where
he will be required to give a reason of the hope that is in him.
The people of God will be called upon to stand before kings,
princes, rulers, and great men of the earth, and they must know
that they do know what is truth. They must be converted men
and women. God can teach you more in one moment by His
Holy Spirit than you could learn from the great men of the
earth. The universe is looking upon the controversy that is going
on upon the earth. At an infinite cost, God has provided for
every man an opportunity to know that which will make him
wise unto salvation. How eagerly do angels look to see who
will avail himself of this opportunity!"—Selected
Messages,
Bk. 1, pp. 415, 416.
FURTHER STUDY
Gospel Workers,
page 120;
Evangelism,
pages 87, 88.
82
Suffering for Christ
LESSON 10
Monday
June 4
Part 2
HOW TO SHAME
YOUR ENEMIES
1 Peter 3:16, RSV
"And keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are
abused, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be
put to shame."
Peter emphasizes again the power of a godly life (2:12). The
Christian's enemies may know nothing of the Christian's faith
and hope, but they should be able to see his orderly life. Those
with a good or clear conscience, which is purity of heart, have
nothing to fear even when falsely accused. "'Keep conscience
as the noon-tide clear,' and you can go through a midnight
darkness, and a world of woes unspeakable."—The
Preacher's
Homiletic Commentary,
First Peter, page 107.
How did Paul, writing to youthful Timothy, emphasize the
necessity of having a good conscience? 1 Tim. 1:5, 19.
Several types of consciences are referred to in the Scrip-
tures. There is a conscience which is purged from dead works
(Heb. 9:14); a conscience which speaks truth and the Holy
Spirit bears witness to it (Rom. 9:1); a conscience which leads
to shipwreck (1 Tim. 1:19); a conscience which is clear before
both God and man (Acts 24:16); and the conscience which has
been purified by the sprinkling of the blood (Heb. 10:22).
A violated conscience leads to self-degradation. For inner
peace and freedom from condemnation every effort should
be made to preserve the integrity of the conscience by obe-
dience to the will of God. Those who live in this manner will
never be put to shame even though accused falsely.
Is it possible to be too conscientious? "Now we read in the
Bible of a good conscience; and there are not only good but
bad consciences. There is a conscientiousness that will carry
everything to extremes, and make Christian duties as burden-
some as the Jews made the observance of the Sabbath. . . .
One fanatic, with his strong spirit and radical ideas, who will
oppress the conscience of those who want to be right, will do
great harm. The church needs to be purified from all such in-
fluences."—Selected
Messages,
Bk. 2, p. 319.
THINK IT THROUGH
What molds my conscience?
"Inward peace and a conscience void of offense toward God
will quicken and invigorate the intellect like dew distilled upon
the tender plants. The will is then rightly directed and con-
trolled, and is more decided, and yet free from perverseness.
The meditations are pleasing because they are sanctified. The
serenity of mind which you may possess will bless all with whom
you associate. This peace and calmness will, in time, become
natural, and will reflect its precious rays upon all around you,
to be again reflected upon
you."—Testimonies,
Vol. 2, p. 327.
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 431.
83
Suffering for Christ
LESSON 10
Tuesday
June 5
Part 3
SUFFERING FOR
DOING GOOD
1 Peter 3:17, 18,
first part
What two reasons for suffering does Peter mention?
"For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for
well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suf-
fered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to
God."
"Satan—not God—is the author of suffering. . . . But God
knows when suffering is needed for the development of char-
acter, and therefore permits it to come."—SDA
Bible Com-
mentary,
on 1 Peter 3:17.
Note the word "if." This does not mean that it is absolute
or even probable, but simply possible. It can happen and it
does happen that a Christian is sometimes persecuted for doing
well. Peter points us to Christ who suffered innocently and
even died in order to save us. While there is a parallel between
the sufferings of Christ and those of the believer, there is also
a way in which the sufferings of Christ were unique. He suffered
as a Substitute, "the just for the unjust."
The patient endurance of the sufferer has the twofold value
of a godly example for others and a strengthening of the in-
dividual's faith. We should ever remember that one of the main
blessings of persecution endured and triumphed over is that
it may influence the persecutor in favor of Christ. Some perse-
cutors throughout history have found Christ, and we can trace
their acceptance of Him to some Christian who suffered pa-
tiently.
To comprehend the majestic love of Jesus gives courage to
the Christian who suffers. Are you misunderstood? So was
Christ. Does your family give you a difficult time because you
are a Christian? So did Christ's family. Are you poor? So was
Christ. Are you beset by numerous temptations? So was Christ.
Does society ignore you, or ridicule you? They did so to Christ.
Do people laugh at you behind your back? They laughed at
Christ openly as well as behind His back.
The fact that Peter weaves in the sufferings of Christ through-
out his epistles indicates how indelibly the final hours of Christ's
agony were impressed upon his heart and mind. See 1 Peter
1:10, 11; 4:12-19.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the importance and value of meditating on Christ's
.
earthly life?
"God's heroes of faith are heirs to an inheritance of greater
value than any earthly riches,—an inheritance that will satisfy
the longings of the soul. By the world they may be unknown
and unacknowledged, but in the record books above they are
enrolled as citizens of heaven, and an exalted greatness, an
eternal weight of glory, will be theirs."—Gospel
Workers,
page 18.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 4, pp. 121, 122.
84
Suffering for Christ
LESSON 10
Wednesday
June 6
Part 4
NOAH'S DAY
1 Peter 3:18-20
"Being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the
Spirit: by which also he went and preached unto the spirits in
prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-
suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was
a preparing."
This is a difficult and much debated passage. A correct
understanding of the nature of man must be derived from the
Bible as a whole and used to guide in interpreting this prob-
lem passage. Conversely, an interpretation of this problem
passage should not be the deciding factor in establishing a
doctrine of man's condition in death. Man is subject to death.
Since death is an unconscious state, a sleep, then it is impos-
sible to interpret this passage as meaning that Christ in some
spirit form went and preached to the departed spirits of wicked
people who had lived during the days of Noah.
The S.D.A. Commentary offers one possible interpretation:
" 'By which' refers back to v. 18 as a whole, and v. 19 means
that by virtue of His
yet future
vicarious death and resurrec-
tion, in 'spirit,' Christ 'went and preached' to the antediluvians
through the ministry of Noah. It was by virtue of the fact that
Christ was to be 'put to death in the flesh, but quickened by
the Spirit' (v. 18) that He formerly preached salvation through
Noah and 'saved by water' those who accepted it. Similarly,
it is `by the resurrection of Jesus Christ' that 'baptism doth
also now save us' (v.
21)."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on 1 Peter
3:19.
"Spirits in prison." The word "spirits" simply means "wind,"
"breath," "spirit." "Breath is one of the conspicuous charac-
teristics of living beings, and by a figure of speech . . . in
which a characteristic part of a thing stands for the whole.
. . . Compare 1 Cor. 16:18, where 'my spirit' means 'me,' and
Gal. 6:18; 2 Tim. 4:22; etc., where 'your spirit' means 'you.'
. . . Accordingly, these 'spirits' can be considered living human
beings. In fact, the first part of v. 20 apparently identifies them
as people living on the earth immediately prior to the Flood.
They were as certainly real, living human beings as were the
'eight souls' of v.
20."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on 1 Peter
3:19.
How did Christ preach to the people in Noah's day? Gen. 6:3.
"God granted them one hundred and twenty years of proba-
tion in which to consider, and during that time preached to
them through Seth, Enoch, and Noah. They were represented
as men shut up in prison. Had they listened to the testimony
of these faithful witnesses, had they repented and returned to
their loyalty, God would not have destroyed them."—Ellen G.
White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 1, p. 1088.
FURTHER STUDY
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 90-104.
85
Suffering for Christ
LESSON 10
Friday
June 8
Part 6
ALL THINGS SUB-
JECT TO CHRIST
1 Peter 3:22
THINK IT THROUGH
"Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God;
angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto
Him."
Peter now turns back to his main subject. Verses 19-21 are
parenthetical. When we attach verse 22 to verse 18, at one
glance the sufferings, death, resurrection, ascension, position
and work of Christ are made clear.
Peter exalts his blessed Lord by declaring that all things are
made subject to Him. Christ is the very zenith of God's glory
and the very image of His person. See Heb. 1:3. Because of
His perfect life, perfect sacrifice, glorious resurrection, and
high position in heaven, all things have been made subject to
Him.
What did Jesus tell His disciples about His authority? Matt.
28:18.
By what steps did God exalt Jesus to a position of suprem-
acy in the universe? Eph. 1:19-23.
What is the last enemy which will be made subject to
Christ? 1 Cor. 15:26, 27.
These texts should have special significance to Seventh-day
Adventists who believe that Christ ministers for them in the
heavenly sanctuary. Christ is in heaven. He is at the right hand
of God; He ministers the benefits of His atonement to those who
seek Him.
"The Scriptures confidently give the assurance that nothing,
not even death, will be excluded from total subjugation by
Christ (cf. Phil. 3:21; Heb.
2:8)."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on
1 Cor. 15:27.
What is the importance to me of Jesus' exalted position?
"The voice of God is heard proclaiming that justice is satis-
fied. Satan is vanquished. Christ's toiling, struggling ones on
earth are 'accepted in the Beloved.' Eph. 1:6. Before the heav-
enly angels and the representatives of unfallen worlds, they
are declared justified. Where He is, there His church shall be.
'Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace
have kissed each other.' Ps. 85:10. The Father's arms encircle
His son, and the word is given, let all the angels of God wor-
ship Him.' Heb. 1:6."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 834.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pages 832-835.
87
THE SEPARATED LIFE
LESSON 11
June 10-16
"Everything is secondary to the
glory of God. Our heavenly Father
is to be ever cherished as the first,
the joy and prosperity, the light and
sufficiency of our life, and our por-
tion forever. . . . Anything that is
made the subject of undue thought
and admiration, absorbing the
mind, is a god chosen before the
Lord."
Sons and Daughters of God,
p. 56.
"But the end of all things is at hand:
be ye therefore sober, and watch unto
prayer. And above all things have fer-
vent charity among yourselves: for char-
ity shall cover the multitude of sins."
1 Peter 4:7, 8.
In this lesson Peter urges the saints to
have the same mind that Christ had.
Those who fully surrender to Christ can-
not live the same kind of life they did
before conversion. Worldly pleasures and
common practices of lustful indulgences
88
and the unmentionable evils of idolatry
must be put away. Proof of renouncing
the old life is seen in our witness and
in a new type of living quite contrary to
past performance. There must be a life
separated from worldliness—a new life
which stems from grateful hearts of love
for Christ who died for them. Peter ap-
peals to believers to be sober for "the
end of all things is at hand."
The practical instruction found in this
week's lesson is an enlargement of sim-
ilar thoughts previously considered.
The Separated Life
LESSON 11
Sunday
June 10
Part 1
SUFFERING
HAS REWARD
1 Peter 4:1, 2
"Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh,
arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath
suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer
should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men,
but to the will of God."
Paul was a theologian, but Peter was more interested in a
practical explanation of the Christian life. His writings are a
guide to godly living. Throughout the first epistle he views the
problem of suffering from several angles and then encourages
the believers to maintain allegiance to God under even the
most difficult circumstances.
Suffering can drive a man toward heaven or hell depending
on how he relates himself to God. The person connected with
God becomes more dependent upon divine resources when
he suffers. The suffering person may—more readily than one
who does not suffer—recognize the need of a power outside
himself to enable him to be steadfast in the faith. John Bunyan
spent twelve years in prison for his faith, and supported his
family by making shoelaces. The name "Waldenses" and the
term "suffering" are nearly synonomous.
How did Job relate himself to suffering? Job 13:15.
J. B. Phillips' translation of 1 Peter 4:1 illustrates another
facet in suffering: "You must realize that to be dead to sin
inevitably means pain." To crucify the lusts of the flesh is not
a pleasant task. Ask the victorious man who still 'has to live
with a greedy appetite. Ask the victorious person who still
fights against a materialistic spirit. The mental anguish endured
by those who seek victory over sin can exceed even physical
suffering. When the sacrifice made on the cross for us is con-
stantly considered, the motivation to arm ourselves with "the
same mind" is strong.
THINK IT THROUGH
Does suffering drive me closer to or farther from God?
If the latter, why?
"You know something of what it means to pass through
trials. These have given you the opportunity of trusting in God,
of seeking Him in earnest prayer, that you may believe in Him,
and rely upon Him with simple faith. It is by suffering that our
virtues are tested, and our faith tried. It is in the day of trou-
ble that we feel the preciousness of Jesus. . . . Oh, it is so
precious to think that opportunities are afforded us to confess
our faith in the face of danger, and amid sorrow, sickness, pain,
and death....
"With us, everything depends on how we accept the Lord's
terms."—Selected Messages,
Bk. 1, pp. 117, 118.
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages,
Bk. 2, pp. 266, 267.
89
The Separated Life
LESSON 11
Monday
June 11
Part 2
FORGET THE PAST
1 Peter 4:3, 4
Phillips
"Our past life may have been good enough for pagan pur-
poses, though it meant sensuality, lust, drunkenness, orgies,
carousals and worshiping forbidden gods. Indeed your former
companions may think it very queer that you will no longer join
with them in their riotous excesses, and accordingly say all
sorts of unpleasant things about you."
For the Christian sin is past, and God views it in the same
way. The thrilling doctrine of justification by faith teaches this.
Peter has already declared in verse 1 that the converted people
have "ceased from sin." This does not imply that the Chris-
tian will never make a mistake. "When we are clothed with
the righteousness of Christ, we shall have no relish for sin; for
Christ will be working with us. We may make mistakes, but we
will hate the sin that caused the suffering of the Son of God."
—Messages to Young People,
page 338.
"Think it strange.
Because the unconverted are usually blind
to the supreme advantages and blessings of the Christian way
of life, they are astonished that their erstwhile associates, now
Christian, avoid the former pattern of life. On the premise that
man finds his only satisfaction and happiness in this world,
the life of the non-Christian is one unceasing quest for pleasure
through the gratification of physical desire. To deny the natural
desires, whether in eating, drinking, or sensual indulgence, is
incomprehensible folly to such people. However, the Christian
is 'to keep himself unspotted from the world' (James 1:27), for
'the friendship of the world is enmity with God' (ch. 4:4). Con-
sequently, believers should 'marvel not' if the world' hates
them (1 John 3:13)....
"Speaking evil of.
Literally, 'blaspheming.' The heathen
cursed the Christians because they thought the Christians were
assuming a superior pose when they no longer engaged in 'the
same excess of riot.' This pagan misconception was often the
spark that ignited the fires of persecution."—SDA
Bible Com-
mentary,
on 1 Peter 4:4.
THINK IT THROUGH
What kind of relationship should I have with my former un-
converted associates?
"If you truly belong to Christ, you will have opportunities
for witnessing for Him. You will be invited to attend places of
amusement, and then it will be that you will have an oppor-
tunity to testify to your Lord. If you are true to Christ then, you
will not try to form excuses for your nonattendance, but will
plainly and modestly declare that you are a child of God, and
your principles would not allow you to be in a place, even for
one occasion, where you could not invite the presence of your
' Lord."—The
Adventist Home,
page 519.
FURTHER STUDY
The Adventist Home,
pages 512-520.
90
The Separated Life
LESSON 11
Thursday
June 14
Part 5
THE ART OF
HOSPITALITY
1 Peter 4:9, 10
"Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every
man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to
another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
"When the spirit of hospitality dies, the heart becomes pal-
sied with selfishness. . . .
"Christ keeps an account of every expense incurred in en-
tertaining for His sake. He supplies all that is necessary for
this work."—My
Life Today,
page 194.
"Much may be said about this ancient hospitality which
provided lodging for a traveling Christian, gave him necessary
information and help to become located, to transact his busi-
ness, to find work, to expedite him on his journey. Some had
to flee from their homes in other cities because of persecution
and were often destitute. During their many extensive travels
the apostles were guests at many Christian homes. . . . Even
pagans remarked about how the Christians loved each other
and received a wholly strange Christian as a brother."—R. C. H.
Lenski,
Interpretation of the Epistles of St. Peter, St. John, and
St. Jude,
page 196.
What beautiful example of Christian hospitality do we find
in the early church? Acts 16:14, 15.
True Christian hospitality does not mean extravagant meals.
It is the sharing of what we have, not only with fellow Chris-
tians, special friends, et cetera, but also with strangers and
the unfortunate. See Heb. 13:2; Luke 14:12, 13. "It is a denial
of Christ to make preparation for visitors which requires time
that rightly belongs to the Lord. In this we commit robbery of
God. And we wrong others as well. In preparing an elaborate
entertainment, many deprive their own families of needed at-
tention, and their example leads others to follow the same
course."—Testimonies,
Vol. 6, p. 343.
THINK IT THROUGH
To whom should my hospitality be given?
"These admonitions have been strangely neglected. Even
among those who profess to be Christians, true hospitality is
little exercised. Among our own people the opportunity of show-
ing hospitality is not regarded as it should be, as a privilege
and blessing. There is altogether too little sociability, too little
of a disposition to make room for two or three more at the
family board, without embarrassment or parade. Some plead
that 'it is too much trouble.' It would not be if you would say:
'We have made no special preparation, but you are welcome
to what we have.' By the unexpected guest a welcome is ap-
preciated far more than is the most elaborate preparation."—
Testimonies,
Vol. 6, p. 343.
FURTHER STUDY
The Adventist Home,
pages 445-452.
93
The Separated Life
LESSON 11
Friday
June 15
Part 6
ALL TO THE
GLORY OF GOD
1 Peter 4:11, NEB
What reasons do you see in this verse for God to receive
the glory resulting from human acts?
"Are you a speaker? Speak as if you uttered oracles of
God. Do you give service? Give it as in the strength which God
supplies. In all things so act that the glory may be God's
through Jesus Christ; to him belong glory and power for ever
and ever. Amen."
Peter speaks of two types of ministry: first, that of the min-
istry of preaching, speaking, and teaching; second, that of the
ministry of deeds of kindness such as the hospitality mentioned
in verse 9. Whether a man is a layman or a minister, if he has
the ability to preach, he should preach his message as from
God. The word "oracles" was used in classical Greek as utter-
ances of heathen gods. Peter uses this in the sense of the
messages or revelations which come from the true God.
"In the strength which God supplies." Whatever talent a man
has, he is required to use it to the best of his ability. He is not
in competition with anyone else. "Our power is not in our
talents of education or means, neither is it in our popularity; it
is in self-sacrifice, our willing obedience to Jesus Christ. Those
who truly surrender all to Him, will carry a weight of influence,
and will carry others along with them, because they walk in
the light. Brain power will be inefficient, purse power of little
account with God; but heart power, thorough godliness, humble
fidelity, will bear a weight of influence that will be irresistible."
—Sons and Daughters of God,
page 236.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can I give glory to God? What does it mean?
"God gives to every man his work, and He expects corre-
sponding returns, according to their various trusts. He does
not require the increase from ten talents of the man to whom
He has given only one talent. He does not expect the man of
poverty to give alms as the man who has riches. He does not
expect of the feeble and suffering, the activity and strength
which the healthy man has. The one talent, used to the best
account, God will accept 'according to that a man hath, and
not according to that he hath not.' ...
"Every talent which returns to the Master, will be scrutinized.
The doings and trusts of God's servants will not be considered
an unimportant matter. Every individual will be dealt with per-
sonally, and will be required to give an account of the talents
entrusted to him, whether he has improved or abused them.
The reward bestowed will be proportionate to the talents im-
proved. The punishment awarded will be according as the tal-
ents have been abused."—Counsels
on Stewardship,
pages
119, 120.
FURTHER STUDY
Education,
page 226.
94
THE CHRISTIAN IN
LESSON 12
TIMES OF TRIAL
June 17-23
"Be happy if you are cursed and
insulted for being a Christian, for
when that happens the Spirit of God
will come upon you with great glory... .
"So if you are suffering according
to God's will, keep on doing what is
right and trust yourself to the God
who made you, for he will never fail
you." 1 Peter 4:14-19,
The Living
Bible.
"If ye be reproached for the name of
Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of
glory and of God resteth upon you."
"Wherefore let them that suffer accord-
ing to the will of God commit the keep-
ing of their souls to him in well doing, as
unto a faithful Creator." 1 Peter 4:14, 19.
Peter's admonition in this passage
was designed to brace Christians for
the turbulent times just ahead. If this
counsel does not seem relevant at the
moment, it will become so in the very
near future. With a world in revolt and
with Satan in the climactic minutes of
rebellion against God, the true Christian
will sooner or later become the object
of hate and persecution. The Christian
suffering under Nero was just a begin-
ning of the awful persecutions which
came and continued upon the true
Christian church. Peter did everything
possible to bolster the minds of the be-
lievers by pointing them to the suffer-
ings of Christ. He well knew that any
man who became a citizen of the king-
dom would be subject to much tribula-
tion.
"The path of sorrow, and that path
alone,
Leads to the place where sorrow is
unknown."—The
Preacher's
Homiletic Commentary,
on
First Peter, page 145.
In the preceding verses Peter has
carefully outlined the kind of lives be-
lievers ought to live in order to prevent
provoking anti-Christian conduct. Their
activity in well-doing was to stop the
mouths of the enemy. But if after having
done all this, suffering should . come,
Peter counsels them how to relate them-
selves to it. Some of the Christians were
probably amazed as they read his coun-
sel to consider suffering for Christ's
sake a distinct blessing' rather than a
cause for complaint and fainthearted-
ness.
The article following this lesson
was printed in the
Review and Her-
ald,
March 7, 1912 and is printed
here for extra reading this week.
95
The Christian in Times of Trial
LESSON 12
Sunday
June 17
Part 1
ROBBING SUFFER-
ING OF ITS
STRANGENESS
1 Peter 4:12, 13
THINK IT THROUGH
What two events does Peter relate to the joy of the Christian
believers?
"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which
is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings;
that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with
exceeding joy."
"Beloved." This word indicates Peter's love, as a true un-
dershepherd, for his fellow believers in Asia Minor. He warned
them about a "fiery trial." In spite of the severity of persecution
which was to face them, he counsels them not to be astonished
or bewildered, but rather to expect it and even to rejoice when
it comes.
The five words "which is to try you" gives one of the basic
reasons for God's permitting Christians to suffer. It is also a
means of developing character. Peter could have cited a host
of Old Testament characters who suffered for their faith, such
as Nehemiah, Job, Elijah, Elisha, Joseph. Rather he points
them to the supreme Sufferer—Jesus Christ. No one in history
ever endured such testing as the Master endured. He was
beset by perplexities and trials which were more fierce than
any we shall have to face. His trials were not only fierce but
also constant. A study of His life points the direction that Chris-
tians are to take in facing trouble. Furthermore, to share Christ's
sufferings here and now will lead to the glory which we shall
share with Him when He returns the second time. (See Matt.
5:11, 12; Heb. 11:26.)
In what ways am I a partaker of Christ's suffering?
"Trial is part of the education given in the school of Christ,
to purify God's children from the dross of earthliness. It is be-
cause God is leading His children that trying experiences come
to them. Trials and obstacles are His chosen methods of dis-
cipline, and His appointed conditions of success. He who reads
the hearts of men knows their weaknesses better than they
themselves can know them. He sees that some have qualifica-
tions which, if rightly directed, could be used in the advance-
ment of His work. In His providence He brings these souls into
different positions and varied circumstances, that they may
discover the defects that are concealed from their own knowl-
edge. He gives them opportunity to overcome these defects and
to fit themselves for service. Often He permits the fires of afflic-
tion to burn, that they may be purified."—The
Acts of the Apos-
tles,
page 524.
FURTHER STUDY
The Ministry of Healing,
pages 470-473.
96
The Christian in Times of Trial
LESSON 12
Monday
June 18
Part 2
HOW TO BE
HAPPY THOUGH
REPROACHED
1 Peter 4:14
What reason does Peter give for the happiness which results
from reproach?
"If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye;
for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their
part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified."
A trail of blood has followed the Christian church wherever
she has walked. Considering the wickedness on every hand,
the marvel is that there isn't more persecution and reproaching.
Satan is probably most successful with a sophisticated type
of persecution. The example of Peter is a case in point. How
fearful he was of the mockings of the crowd that led him to
deny that he ever knew Christ!
What is the Bible's assurance in regard to the severity of
temptation? 1 Cor. 10:13.
What is one reason for suffering? Heb. 5:8.
"By God's mighty cleaver of truth we have been taken from
the quarry of the world and brought into the workshop of the
Lord to be prepared for a place in His temple. In this work
the hammer and chisel must act their part, and then comes
the polishing. Rebel not under this process of grace. You may
be a rough stone, on which much work must be done before
you are prepared for the place God designs you to fill. You
need not be surprised if with the hammer and the chisel of
trial God cuts away your defects of character. He alone can
accomplish this work. And be assured that He will not strike
one useless blow."—The
Faith I Live By,
page 317,.
"The spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you." Just as
the shekinah, the glory of God, rested upon His tabernacle in
the wilderness, so will His glory, through the Holy Spirit, rest
upon those who are reproached for Christ's name.
THINK IT THROUGH
How do I feel when I am reproached for my faith in Jesus?
"Now as in former ages, the presentation of a truth that
reproves the sins and errors of the times will excite opposition.
'Everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the
light, lest his deeds should be reproved.' John 3:20. As men
see that they cannot maintain their position by the Scriptures,
many determine to maintain it at all hazards, and with a mali-
cious spirit they assail the character and motives of those who
stand in defense of unpopular truth. It is the same policy which
has been pursued in all ages."—The
Great Controversy,
page
458.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 3, p. 531.
97
The Christian in Times of Trial
LESSON 12
Tuesday
June
/9
Part 3
DESERVED
SUFFERING
1 Peter 4:15, 16, RSV
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
98
"But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a
wrongdoer, or a mischief-maker; yet if one suffers as a Chris-
tian, let him not be ashamed, but under that name let him glorify
God."
Peter was constantly aware of the distinction between suf-
fering resulting from a person's own wrongdoing and suffering
resulting from allegiance to Christ. See 1 Peter 2:19, 20; 3:17.
It could be very enlightening for a person to examine the rea-
sons for his episodes of suffering. What suffering was done for
Christ? How much was the result of one's own mistakes?
It might be surprising to most of us just how much we suffer
because of our own evil ways. Can you think of any sufferings
which you have brought on yourself? What about sickness and
disease stemming from wrong dietary habits?
It is interesting to note that Peter's list of four things for
which people should suffer includes the two specific crimes of
murder and theft, and one general phrase embracing the
"wrongdoer." The last one, "mischief-maker" ("busybody,"
KJV), in Greek is an unusual term and may have been coined by
Peter. Those who meddle in other people's business are legion.
Probably most suffering, outside of that of suffering for Christ,
is directly traceable to poor relationships with others.
Peter's point is that if a servant of God suffers, make certain
that it is undeserved and not because of some wrong act.
Those who suffer as evildoers undermine the whole Christian
cause and contradict the very gospel of Christ.
In what ways have I avoided suffering for Christ?
"The largest share of the annoyances of life, its daily cor-
roding cares, its heartaches, its irritation, is the result of a
temper uncontrolled. The harmony of the domestic circle is
often broken by a hasty word and abusive language. How much
better were it left unsaid. One smile of pleasure, one peaceful,
approving word spoken in the spirit of meekness, would be a
power to soothe, to comfort, and to bless. The government of
self is the best government in the world. By putting on the
ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, ninety-nine out of a hun-
dred of the troubles which so terribly embitter life might be
saved. Many excuse their hasty words and passionate tempers
by saying: 'I am sensitive; I have a hasty temper.' This will
never heal the wounds made by hasty, passionate words. Some,
indeed, are naturally more passionate than others; but this
spirit can never harmonize with the Spirit of God. The natural
man must die, and the new man, Christ Jesus, take possession
of the soul, so that the follower of Jesus may say in verity and
truth: 'I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.'
"—Testimonies,
Vol. 4, pp. 348, 349.
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 157, 158.
The Christian in Times of Trial
LESSON 12
Wednesday
June 20
Part 4
LIVING IN VIEW
OF THE JUDGMENT
HOUR
1 Peter 4:17
THINK IT THROUGH
"For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house
of God: and If it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them
that obey not the gospel of God?"
Peter introduces a basic reason as to why Christians should
not suffer as evildoers, but gladly suffer for the Lord's sake. A
judgment day is coming! Only those who commit themselves
as faithful Christians will face the judgment in confidence.
Peter makes a comparison of those who obey and those
who obey not the gospel. If a righteous God detests evil in His
own people and will surely deal with it, then He certainly detests
evil in those who are not His people, and how much more will
He deal with those who have rejected His mercy and authority?
If the sons are chastised, what have the rebellious ones to
expect?
When the Lord carried Ezekiel in vision from Babylon to
Jerusalem, what did he hear the voice of God commanding the
destroyers to do? Ezek. 9:4-6.
How does this idea of judgment fit into Adventist theology?
"In the typical service only those who had come before God
with confession and repentance, and whose sins, through the
blood of the sin offering, where transferred to the sanctuary,
had a part in the service of the Day of Atonement. So in the
great day of final atonement and investigative judgment the
only cases considered are those of the professed people of
God. The judgment of the wicked is a distinct and separate
work, and takes place at a later period."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
page 480.
In the parable of the talents the nobleman made the de-
mand, "Give an account to thy stewardship." If there is one
concern greater than others among believers it should be re-
garding the solemn warning of a judgment to come.
What is lacking in my life for one who is living in view of the
judgment?
"As the features of the countenance are reproduced with
unerring accuracy on the polished plate of the artist, so the
character is faithfully delineated in the books above. Yet how
little solicitude is felt concerning that record which is to meet
the gaze of heavenly beings. Could the veil which separates
the visible from the invisible world be swept back, and the
children of men behold an angel recording every word and
deed,
which they must meet again in the judgment, how many
words that are daily uttered would remain unspoken, how many
deeds would remain undone."—The
Great Controversy,
page
487.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 479-491.
99
The Christian in Times of Trial
LESSON 12
Friday
June 22
Part 6
COMMITMENT
TO A FAITHFUL
CREATOR
1 Peter 4:19
"Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God
commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto
a faithful Creator."
This text summarizes the discussion on suffering which be-
gins in chapter 3:13. Peter undoubtedly never forgot the scene
in which Christ set an example for all Christians in committing
Himself to His Father in His supreme moment of agony.
"Father," He cried, "into thy hands I commend my spirit." Luke
23:46.
God never forsakes His own. Our Creator is faithful and can
be fully depended upon to fulfill His plan and purpose for us
and in us. Whether it be life or death, we can fearlessly place
our entire honor, our good name, and our plans in the hands
of a Creator-God who is faithful to see us through. All creation
witnesses to God's faithfulness. The unerring accuracy of heav-
enly bodies, seedtime and harvest, summer and winter, follow
His commands. If a sparrow cannot fall without His taking
notice, surely He not only takes notice of but sustains those
who suffer for His sake. The hands of our God are strong,
tender, and true. They will bear us up in times of peace and
in times of emergency.
In what words did Paul express this concept to young Tim-
othy? 2 Tim. 1:12.
What did Jeremiah say about God's faithfulness? Lam.
3:22, 23.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I spend more time in fretting and fearing than in com-
mitting my soul to a faithful Creator?
"He is in heaven as our advocate, to make intercession for
us. We must always take comfort and hope as we think of this.
He is thinking of those who are subject to temptations in this
world. He thinks of us individually, and knows our every ne-
cessity. When tempted, just say, He cares for me, He makes
intercession for me, He loves me, He has died for me. I will
give myself unreservedly to Him. We grieve the heart of Christ
when we go mourning over ourselves as though we were our
own savior. No; we must commit the keeping of our souls to
God as unto a faithful
Creator."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 391.
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages,
Bk. 2, pp. 240-245.
101
courts of heaven there awaits them an
"eternal weight of glory."
"Wherefore seeing we also are com-
passed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight,
and the sin which doth so easily beset
us, and let us run with patience the
race that is set before us, looking unto
Jesus the author and finisher of our
faith." "Our light affliction, which is but
for a moment, worketh for us a far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
while we look not at the things which
are seen, but at the things which are
not seen; for the things which are seen
are temporal; but the things which are
not seen are eternal."
When the redeemed stand in the pres-
ence of God, they will see how short-
sighted were their conclusions as to
what Heaven records as success. They
will see how petty were their supposed
trials, and how unreasonable were their
doubts. They will see how often they
brought failure to their work by failing
to show unquestioning faith in God.
From the lips of the angelic choir and
the redeemed host will peal forth the
chorus: "Great and marvelous are thy
works, Lord God Almighty; just and true
are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who
shall not fear thee, 0 Lord, and glorify
thy name? for thou only art holy."—
Review and Herald,
March 7, 1912.
103
LESSON 13
June 24-30
LESSONS IN HUMILITY
"In the same way you younger men
must be subordinate to your elders. In-
deed, all of you should wrap yourselves
in
the
garment of humility towards each
other, because God sets his face against
the arrogant but favours the humble.
Humble yourselves then under God's
mighty hand, and he will lift you up in
due time." 1 Peter 5:5, 6, NEB.
Peter, a veteran soul shepherd, ex-
presses some final thoughts which are
full of consolation and constitute an ap-
peal to remain steadfast in the faith. His
appeal for submission to one another
can probably be traced back to his own
experience of finally learning the fine art
of submission. Our lesson begins with
a special appeal to church leaders. Sig-
nificantly, Peter does not use his own
authority as an apostle to indicate that
he is an official in a higher position, but
rather places himself on the level as an
undershepherd with the rest of God's
104
faithful leaders. Peace in the church and
the advancement of the cause of God
in the world are more dependent upon
Christian traits of humility and love than
upon talents, brilliance, and material
blessings.
A marked contrast is seen in the sim-
plicity of what might be called the con-
stitution of the early church as com-
pared to the policies of the church after
its departure from the path of truth.
There is nothing in Peter's writings to
indicate that church leaders have su-
preme authority over the flock of God.
No ritual, no priestly functions, no cere-
monial rites are even hinted at in this
passage. We are all one in Christ, and
Peter's theme of leadership is one of
protection and provision rather than of
rulership. Finally Peter applies the same
concept of humility and love, which is
to be shown among God's leaders, to
the
entire membership, young and old
alike.
Lessons in Humility
LESSON 13
Wednesday
June
27
Part 4
GOD'S CARE
FOR US
1 Peter 5:7-9
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be
sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roar-
ing lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom
resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are
accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."
These three verses contain elements of invitation, assurance,
warning, and a secret. The invitation is to cast all of our care
upon Christ.
What did Jesus point out as the reason to banish anxious
thought? Matt. 6:31-34.
Anxiety is destructive of good mental health. The basic
problem of anxiety is unbelief in Jesus. Believing on Christ
goes much farther than a mere belief in His existence or that
He is the Saviour. It leads a man to a trusting belief, an abiding
confidence in God's care. The person who is under God's con-
trol can also believe that he is under His care. So why worry?
Peter's warning reveals that the Christian must have a con-
stant vigilance against the devil. Our only weapon against him
is faith in Christ.
Peter adds an additional element which is one of positive,
aggressive action against Satan. Passive resistance spells fail-
ure. We must resist Satan steadfastly! This type of victory is
accomplished by a daily communion with Christ and a constant
looking heavenward toward Him who personally overcame Satan
so triumphantly in the wilderness.
THINK IT THROUGH
What should I trust to God that now causes me anxiety?
"The Elder Brother of our race is by the eternal throne. He
looks upon every soul who is turning his face toward Him as
the Saviour. He knows by experience what are the weaknesses
of humanity, what are our wants, and where lies the strength
of our temptations; for He was in all points tempted like as we
are, yet, without sin. He is watching over you, trembling child
of God. Are you tempted? He will deliver. Are you weak? He
will strengthen. Are you ignorant? He will enlighten. Are you
wounded? He will heal. The Lord 'telleth the number of the
stars;' and yet 'He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up
their wounds.' Ps. 147:4, 3. 'Come unto Me,' is His invitation.
Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread out your case before
the Lord. Your spirit will be braced for endurance. The way
will be opened for you to disentangle yourself from embarrass-
ment and difficulty. The weaker and more helpless you know
yourself to be, the stronger will you become in His strength.
The heavier your burdens, the more blessed the rest in casting
them upon the Burden Bearer."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 329.
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages,
Bk. 2, pp. 52-54.
108
Lessons in Humility
LESSON 13
Thursday
June 28
Part 5
MATURING
CHRISTIANS
1 Peter 5:10, 11,
RSV
What did Peter say would follow the suffering of the be-
lievers?
"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all
grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will
himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. To him be the
dominion for ever and ever. Amen."
These verses express a promise, not a wish as the KJV sug-
gests. Peter believed that God could be counted on to complete
our salvation.
The maturing Christian recognizes that the source of all
spiritual power and help for every moment of life is the One
"who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus."
"You must, indeed, look to Jesus, keeping your eyes fixed on
the glory at the top of the ladder. Through Christ alone can you
make sure of heaven, where all is purity, holiness, peace, and
blessedness, where there are glories that mortal lips cannot de-
scribe. The nearest we can come to a description of the reward
that awaits the overcomer is to say that it is a far more exceed-
ing and eternal weight of glory. It will be an eternity of bliss, a
blessed eternity, unfolding new glories throughout the ceaseless
ages."—Testimonies,
Vol. 8, p. 131.
It is Christ who makes us perfect, not we ourselves. The
phrase "make you perfect" has the connotation of mending or
repairing. It means to fit or join together. It is the putting of the
life into right relationship and connection with God. The work
of salvation is to mend the lives of Christians and thus equip
them for greater usefulness in His cause. Nowhere do the
Scriptures teach perfection that is inactive and apart from
service. To focus attention on the goal of being perfect with
no thought of serving others is opposed to the idea of love,
which is the goal of perfection.
THINK IT THROUGH
What evidence is there that I am becoming more mature
spiritually?
"It is the privilege of the children of God to have a con-
stantly enlarging comprehension of truth, that they may bring
love for God and heaven into the work, and draw from others
thanksgiving to God because of the richness of His grace.
"We have reason for everlasting gratitude to God in that
He has left us a perfect example. Every Christian should strive
to earnestly follow in the footsteps of the Saviour. We should
offer grateful praise and gratitude for giving us such a mighty
helper, a safeguard against every temptation, against every
species of impropriety in thought, deed, and
word."—Counsels
on Health,
page 594.
FURTHER STUDY
Steps to Christ,
"Growing Up Into Christ," pages 67-75.
109
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Book
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Children never
forget
stories illustrated on flan-
nelgraph. Now they can
learn the important
events in the life of Ellen
G. White. Twelve stories
from her life are vividly
illustrated with different
scenes on flannelgraph.
An attention-gripping
script is provided with
each of the stories. You
can read the script as
the silhouettes are put in
place, or you may prefer
to tell the stories in your
own words. An accom-
panying sheet explains
how each scene should
be arranged.
"Silhouette Stories
of
Ellen G. White and the
Message" will prove to
be popular with all
young children. Use
them in Branch Sabbath
School, Story Hour, Sab-
bath afternoon enter-
tainment, and Vacation
Bible School. An unusual
and entertaining way to
interest children in the
early stories of our
church.
Available
at your
Book and Bible House
or from your church lay
activities secretary.
t
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El
COSTA
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Linda
Vista
Academy
VENE
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EL
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HONDURAS
a
Mexican
Pacific
Academy
Montemorelos
Voc. & Prof.
College
MEXICO
JAMAICA
'Figures
as of first quarter, 19721
S.
'--
Unions
Population
Churches
Church
Members
SS
INamben
Antillian
7,800,000
225
27,032
32,968
Caribbean
2,797,936
273
39,220
41,068
Central-America
16,585,788
238
30,725
34,799
Col-Venezuela
31,420,395
194
41,053
43,527
Cuban Church
7,630,700
108
7,650
8,890
Franco-Haitian
5,260,000
143
43,997
60,633
Mexican
50,009,500
269
52,500
78,904
West Indies
2,151,681
401
64,149
74,507
Inter-Am. Div.
1
52
Division Totals
123,656,000
1,852
306,278
375,294
dy'•
mwri
ct,
GUADELOUPE
IDMARTINIOUE
Sr. VINCENT*
I
*BARBADOS
GRENADA;
;TOBAGO
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d
rt:41MI:C AN
PUERTO
RICO
Antillean
Adventist
Hospital
1STRINIDAD
c
June 30,1973
F
4
N
Inter-American Division
ICOLVEN
Colombia-
Venezuela
Union
College
COLOMBIA